FJP vs IVV
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FJP delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FJP | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $262M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.32% | +12.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.06% | +20.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.21% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FJP vs IVV Performance
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) 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 FJP returned +21.06% while IVV returned +20.70%. Year to date, FJP is up 14.32% versus a gain of 12.96% for IVV.
Over three years, FJP compounded at +20.21% per year against +22.10% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.49% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.08%. 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 15.0% for FJP. 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 -43.9% for FJP 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FJP 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, FJP currently yields 2.58% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FJP and IVV share 0 holdings out of 605 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, FJP or IVV?
FJP 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, FJP or IVV?
Over the past year FJP returned +21.06% vs +20.70% for IVV, so FJP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FJP annualized +5.08% vs +7.01% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FJP or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for FJP. Worst drawdown: FJP -43.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FJP and IVV?
FJP and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FJP and IVV?
FJP and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FJP or IVV?
FJP yields 2.58% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FJP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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