FPA vs IVV
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $111M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +32.37% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.58% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.72% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FPA vs IVV Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.58% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, FPA is up 32.37% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.72% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.02% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.2% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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
FPA 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, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and IVV share 0 holdings out of 604 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, FPA or IVV?
FPA 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, FPA or IVV?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.58% vs +21.79% for IVV, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.66% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or IVV?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FPA and IVV?
FPA 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 FPA and IVV?
FPA and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or IVV?
FPA yields 3.88% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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