FGD vs IVV
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGD | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.04% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +17.89% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.69% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.61% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 21, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FGD vs IVV Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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 FGD returned +29.57% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, FGD is up 17.89% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, FGD compounded at +25.69% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.61% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -70.2% for FGD 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGD charges 0.55% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGD currently yields 5.04% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FGD and IVV share 11 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGD or IVV?
FGD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGD or IVV?
Over the past year FGD returned +29.57% vs +21.79% for IVV, so FGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FGD annualized +2.59% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGD or IVV?
FGD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FGD -70.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGD and IVV?
FGD and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGD and IVV?
FGD and IVV share 11 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGD or IVV?
FGD yields 5.04% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.