FTGS vs IVV
First Trust Growth Strength 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 | FTGS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +13.02% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
FTGS vs IVV Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +14.71% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, FTGS is up 13.02% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.46% per year against +21.55% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.6% for FTGS. 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and IVV share 47 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or IVV?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or IVV?
Over the past year FTGS returned +14.71% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for FTGS. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTGS and IVV?
FTGS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and IVV?
FTGS and IVV share 47 common holdings with a 15.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or IVV?
FTGS yields 0.09% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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