FTDS vs IVV
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FTDS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTDS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +16.32% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.89% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.33% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.17% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FTDS vs IVV Performance
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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 FTDS returned +25.89% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, FTDS is up 16.32% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FTDS compounded at +16.33% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.17% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -54.7% for FTDS 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
FTDS 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, FTDS currently yields 1.67% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTDS and IVV share 36 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTDS or IVV?
FTDS 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, FTDS or IVV?
Over the past year FTDS returned +25.89% vs +23.01% for IVV, so FTDS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTDS annualized +6.81% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTDS or IVV?
FTDS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTDS -54.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTDS and IVV?
FTDS 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 FTDS and IVV?
FTDS and IVV share 36 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTDS or IVV?
FTDS yields 1.67% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTDS 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.