FIAX vs IVV
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIAX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $128M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.20% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +1.30% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.37% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
FIAX vs IVV Performance
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FIAX returned +3.37% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FIAX is up 1.30% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FIAX compounded at +3.25% per year against +21.81% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +3.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.5% for FIAX. 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 -6.3% for FIAX 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIAX charges 0.97% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIAX currently yields 8.20% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FIAX and IVV share 0 holdings out of 509 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, FIAX or IVV?
FIAX has an expense ratio of 0.97% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIAX or IVV?
Over the past year FIAX returned +3.37% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FIAX annualized +3.08% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIAX or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.5% for FIAX. Worst drawdown: FIAX -6.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FIAX and IVV?
FIAX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIAX and IVV?
FIAX and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIAX or IVV?
FIAX yields 8.20% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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