FNY vs IVV
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $600M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.26% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.34% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.99% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FNY vs IVV Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +23.34% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FNY is up 12.26% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +18.99% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $3 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and IVV share 14 holdings out of 716 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or IVV?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or IVV?
Over the past year FNY returned +23.34% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.46% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or IVV?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FNY and IVV?
FNY and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and IVV?
FNY and IVV share 14 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 716 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or IVV?
FNY yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.