FDL vs IVV
First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FDL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.0B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.59% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +21.56% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.06% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.81% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.27% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 9, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FDL vs IVV Performance
First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) 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 FDL returned +27.06% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, FDL is up 21.56% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, FDL compounded at +20.81% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.27% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +5.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -68.6% for FDL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDL charges 0.43% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $3 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDL currently yields 3.59% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FDL and IVV share 58 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDL or IVV?
FDL has an expense ratio of 0.43% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDL or IVV?
Over the past year FDL returned +27.06% vs +21.62% for IVV, so FDL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FDL annualized +5.98% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDL or IVV?
FDL has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FDL -68.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDL and IVV?
FDL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDL and IVV?
FDL and IVV share 58 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDL or IVV?
FDL yields 3.59% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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