FCEF vs IVV
First Trust Income Opportunities ETF 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 | FCEF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $83M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.88% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.50% | +13.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.15% | +21.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +22.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
FCEF vs IVV Performance
First Trust Income Opportunities ETF (FCEF) 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 FCEF returned +15.15% while IVV returned +21.54%. Year to date, FCEF is up 10.50% versus a gain of 13.74% for IVV.
Over three years, FCEF compounded at +16.43% per year against +22.61% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.21% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.6% for FCEF. 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 -45.1% for FCEF 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCEF charges 3.69% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $369 vs $3 annually, a gap of $366 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCEF currently yields 6.88% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FCEF and IVV share 0 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCEF or IVV?
FCEF has an expense ratio of 3.69% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $366 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCEF or IVV?
Over the past year FCEF returned +15.15% vs +21.54% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FCEF annualized +5.89% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCEF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for FCEF. Worst drawdown: FCEF -45.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FCEF and IVV?
FCEF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FCEF and IVV?
FCEF and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCEF or IVV?
FCEF yields 6.88% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FCEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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