FTHY vs IVV
FTHY vs IVV
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund 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 | FTHY | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $662M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.63% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 294 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.21% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.32% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.28% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2020 | May 15, 2000 |
FTHY vs IVV Performance
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY) 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 FTHY returned +2.32% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FTHY is up 2.21% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FTHY compounded at +10.46% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +2.28% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.71%. 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 11.9% for FTHY. 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 -31.2% for FTHY 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHY charges 3.59% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $359 vs $3 annually, a gap of $356 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHY currently yields 10.63% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTHY and IVV share 0 holdings out of 735 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, FTHY or IVV?
FTHY has an expense ratio of 3.59% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $356 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHY or IVV?
Over the past year FTHY returned +2.32% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTHY annualized +2.71% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHY or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.9% for FTHY. Worst drawdown: FTHY -31.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTHY and IVV?
FTHY and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHY and IVV?
FTHY and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 735 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHY or IVV?
FTHY yields 10.63% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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