FSTA vs IVV
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index 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 | FSTA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.32% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | May 15, 2000 |
FSTA vs IVV Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FSTA is up 10.86% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +8.06% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FSTA has the edge at +7.16% annualized vs +7.05%. 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 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $3 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.21% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FSTA and IVV share 31 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSTA or IVV?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSTA or IVV?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.16% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSTA or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FSTA and IVV?
FSTA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSTA and IVV?
FSTA and IVV share 31 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or IVV?
FSTA yields 2.21% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FSTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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