FDN vs IVV
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index 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 | FDN | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.5B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.86% | +12.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.80% | +20.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.81% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.77% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FDN vs IVV Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN) 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 FDN returned +3.80% while IVV returned +20.70%. Year to date, FDN is up 6.86% versus a gain of 12.96% for IVV.
Over three years, FDN compounded at +20.81% per year against +22.10% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.77% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FDN has the edge at +13.95% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.5% 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 -61.5% for FDN 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDN charges 0.49% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDN currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FDN and IVV share 24 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDN or IVV?
FDN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDN or IVV?
Over the past year FDN returned +3.80% vs +20.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FDN annualized +13.95% vs +7.01% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDN or IVV?
FDN has been the more volatile fund at 21.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FDN -61.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDN and IVV?
FDN and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDN and IVV?
FDN and IVV share 24 common holdings with a 14.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDN or IVV?
FDN yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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