DFII vs IVV

Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: IVVMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDFIIIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.03%
AUM$17M$865.2B
Dividend Yield25.66%1.09%
Holdings7508
YTD Return-29.20%+13.72%
1Y Return-46.32%+21.64%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.27%
Volatility (annualized)34.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-51.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 2, 2025May 15, 2000

DFII vs IVV Performance

FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DFII returned -46.32% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, DFII is down 29.20% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -51.0% for DFII and -56.5% for IVV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DFII charges 0.85% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFII currently yields 25.66% against 1.09% for IVV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DFII or IVV?

DFII has an expense ratio of 0.85% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DFII or IVV?

Over the past year DFII returned -46.32% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -18.15% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DFII or IVV?

DFII has been the more volatile fund at 34.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DFII -51.0% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both DFII and IVV?

DFII and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or IVV?

DFII yields 25.66% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DFII currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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