FICS vs IVV
First Trust International Developed Capital Strength 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 | FICS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $215M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.90% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.31% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.79% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2020 | May 15, 2000 |
FICS vs IVV Performance
First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) 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 FICS returned +14.31% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, FICS is up 8.90% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FICS compounded at +12.79% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +5.55% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FICS has the edge at +8.25% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.6% for FICS. 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 -29.2% for FICS 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FICS charges 0.70% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FICS currently yields 1.91% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FICS and IVV share 0 holdings out of 555 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, FICS or IVV?
FICS has an expense ratio of 0.70% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FICS or IVV?
Over the past year FICS returned +14.31% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FICS annualized +8.25% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FICS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for FICS. Worst drawdown: FICS -29.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FICS and IVV?
FICS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FICS and IVV?
FICS and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FICS or IVV?
FICS yields 1.91% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FICS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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