FIW vs IVV
First Trust Water 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 | FIW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.78% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.51% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.48% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.41% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FIW vs IVV Performance
First Trust Water ETF (FIW) 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 FIW returned -1.51% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, FIW is up 2.78% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, FIW compounded at +8.48% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +5.41% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FIW has the edge at +9.52% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FIW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -53.1% for FIW 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIW charges 0.51% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $3 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIW currently yields 0.79% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FIW and IVV share 13 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FIW or IVV?
FIW has an expense ratio of 0.51% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIW or IVV?
Over the past year FIW returned -1.51% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FIW annualized +9.52% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIW or IVV?
FIW has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FIW -53.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FIW and IVV?
FIW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIW and IVV?
FIW and IVV share 13 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIW or IVV?
FIW yields 0.79% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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