FGSI vs IVV
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF 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 | FGSI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.57% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.13% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.16% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
FGSI vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +13.16% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, FGSI is up 12.13% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.0% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI charges 0.85% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSI currently yields 7.57% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and IVV share 48 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or IVV?
FGSI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSI or IVV?
Over the past year FGSI returned +13.16% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +14.24% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.0% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FGSI and IVV?
FGSI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and IVV?
FGSI and IVV share 48 common holdings with a 16.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or IVV?
FGSI yields 7.57% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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