FFC vs IVV
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFC | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $829M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.03% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.05% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.52% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.38% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2003 | May 15, 2000 |
FFC vs IVV Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated (FFC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FFC is up 2.05% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FFC compounded at +13.38% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +0.44% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -84.5% for FFC 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFC charges 1.23% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $3 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFC currently yields 7.03% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FFC and IVV share 9 holdings out of 680 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFC or IVV?
FFC has an expense ratio of 1.23% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFC or IVV?
Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), FFC annualized -0.12% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFC or IVV?
FFC has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FFC -84.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FFC and IVV?
FFC and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFC and IVV?
FFC and IVV share 9 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 680 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFC or IVV?
FFC yields 7.03% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FFC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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