EMLP vs IVV
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMLP | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +18.12% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.64% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.90% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.51% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
EMLP vs IVV Performance
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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 EMLP returned +20.64% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, EMLP is up 18.12% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, EMLP compounded at +21.90% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +16.51% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, EMLP has the edge at +7.31% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -48.0% for EMLP 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMLP charges 0.95% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMLP currently yields 2.76% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EMLP and IVV share 31 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMLP or IVV?
EMLP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMLP or IVV?
Over the past year EMLP returned +20.64% vs +21.79% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMLP annualized +7.31% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMLP or IVV?
EMLP has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EMLP -48.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EMLP and IVV?
EMLP and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMLP and IVV?
EMLP and IVV share 31 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMLP or IVV?
EMLP yields 2.76% while IVV yields 1.10%, so EMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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