FTXG vs IVV
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +13.00% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.47% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.61% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.59% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
FTXG vs IVV Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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 FTXG returned +5.47% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FTXG is up 13.00% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FTXG compounded at +0.61% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.59% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +3.03%. 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 14.3% for FTXG. 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 -33.8% for FTXG 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXG 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, FTXG currently yields 2.52% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTXG and IVV share 16 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXG or IVV?
FTXG 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, FTXG or IVV?
Over the past year FTXG returned +5.47% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXG annualized +3.03% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXG or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for FTXG. Worst drawdown: FTXG -33.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXG and IVV?
FTXG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXG and IVV?
FTXG and IVV share 16 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXG or IVV?
FTXG yields 2.52% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FTXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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