FTQI vs IVV
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FTQI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTQI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $896M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 183 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.88% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.19% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.21% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
FTQI vs IVV Performance
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) 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 FTQI returned +22.19% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, FTQI is up 14.88% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, FTQI compounded at +17.21% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.22%. 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 10.0% for FTQI. 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 -20.4% for FTQI 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTQI charges 0.76% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTQI currently yields 11.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTQI and IVV share 79 holdings out of 601 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTQI or IVV?
FTQI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTQI or IVV?
Over the past year FTQI returned +22.19% vs +22.02% for IVV, so FTQI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTQI annualized +5.22% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTQI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.0% for FTQI. Worst drawdown: FTQI -20.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTQI and IVV?
FTQI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTQI and IVV?
FTQI and IVV share 79 common holdings with a 41.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTQI or IVV?
FTQI yields 11.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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