FTSL vs IVV
First Trust Senior Loan Fund 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 | FTSL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.48% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 292 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +1.42% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.39% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.55% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.07% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2013 | May 15, 2000 |
FTSL vs IVV Performance
First Trust Senior Loan Fund ETF (FTSL) 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 FTSL returned +3.39% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, FTSL is up 1.42% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FTSL compounded at +6.55% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +5.07% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.65%. 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 4.9% for FTSL. 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 -26.4% for FTSL 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTSL 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, FTSL currently yields 6.48% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTSL and IVV share 0 holdings out of 551 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, FTSL or IVV?
FTSL 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, FTSL or IVV?
Over the past year FTSL returned +3.39% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTSL annualized +1.65% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTSL or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.9% for FTSL. Worst drawdown: FTSL -26.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTSL and IVV?
FTSL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTSL and IVV?
FTSL and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTSL or IVV?
FTSL yields 6.48% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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