FDTS vs IVV
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.66% | +12.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.42% | +20.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.18% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.87% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
FDTS vs IVV Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +34.42% while IVV returned +20.70%. Year to date, FDTS is up 19.66% versus a gain of 12.96% for IVV.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.18% per year against +22.10% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.87% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FDTS has the edge at +7.15% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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
FDTS charges 0.80% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and IVV share 1 holdings out of 903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDTS | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or IVV?
FDTS has an expense ratio of 0.80% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDTS or IVV?
Over the past year FDTS returned +34.42% vs +20.70% for IVV, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.15% vs +7.01% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or IVV?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FDTS and IVV?
FDTS 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 FDTS and IVV?
FDTS and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or IVV?
FDTS yields 2.87% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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