FTAG vs IVV
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTAG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +11.09% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.24% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.04% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.66% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | May 15, 2000 |
FTAG vs IVV Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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 FTAG returned +11.24% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, FTAG is up 11.09% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, FTAG compounded at +5.04% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +2.66% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs -17.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -98.4% for FTAG 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTAG charges 0.70% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTAG currently yields 1.30% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTAG and IVV share 4 holdings out of 554 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTAG or IVV?
FTAG has an expense ratio of 0.70% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTAG or IVV?
Over the past year FTAG returned +11.24% vs +21.62% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTAG annualized -17.40% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTAG or IVV?
FTAG has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTAG -98.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTAG and IVV?
FTAG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTAG and IVV?
FTAG and IVV share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 554 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTAG or IVV?
FTAG yields 1.30% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FTAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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