FGM vs IVV
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX 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 | FGM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.81% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.05% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.38% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.59% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
FGM vs IVV Performance
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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 FGM returned +11.05% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, FGM is up 0.81% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, FGM compounded at +20.38% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.59% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +6.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -53.6% for FGM 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
FGM 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, FGM currently yields 1.40% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FGM and IVV share 1 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FGM | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.64% | 0.48% | 1.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGM or IVV?
FGM 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, FGM or IVV?
Over the past year FGM returned +11.05% vs +21.62% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FGM annualized +6.10% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGM or IVV?
FGM has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FGM -53.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGM and IVV?
FGM 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 FGM and IVV?
FGM and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGM or IVV?
FGM yields 1.40% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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