FKU vs IVV
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FKU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FKU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +13.63% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.31% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.26% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.07% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
FKU vs IVV Performance
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) 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 FKU returned +24.31% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, FKU is up 13.63% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, FKU compounded at +23.26% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.07% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -58.7% for FKU 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FKU 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, FKU currently yields 2.71% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FKU and IVV share 0 holdings out of 581 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, FKU or IVV?
FKU 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, FKU or IVV?
Over the past year FKU returned +24.31% vs +21.64% for IVV, so FKU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FKU annualized +5.89% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FKU or IVV?
FKU has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FKU -58.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FKU and IVV?
FKU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FKU and IVV?
FKU and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FKU or IVV?
FKU yields 2.71% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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