FEM vs IVV
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $788M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 173 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.84% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.65% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.11% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FEM vs IVV Performance
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) 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 FEM returned +27.65% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FEM is up 17.84% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FEM compounded at +19.11% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +2.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -49.8% for FEM 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEM 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, FEM currently yields 2.33% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FEM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 659 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, FEM or IVV?
FEM 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, FEM or IVV?
Over the past year FEM returned +27.65% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FEM annualized +2.20% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEM or IVV?
FEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FEM -49.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FEM and IVV?
FEM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEM and IVV?
FEM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 659 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEM or IVV?
FEM yields 2.33% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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