FTXH vs IVV
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FTXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXH | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $989M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +26.30% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +52.28% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.93% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
FTXH vs IVV Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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 FTXH returned +52.28% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FTXH is up 26.30% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FTXH compounded at +17.31% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.93% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXH has the edge at +8.27% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -32.1% for FTXH 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXH 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, FTXH currently yields 1.09% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTXH and IVV share 16 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXH or IVV?
FTXH 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, FTXH or IVV?
Over the past year FTXH returned +52.28% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FTXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXH annualized +8.27% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXH or IVV?
FTXH has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTXH -32.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXH and IVV?
FTXH and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXH and IVV?
FTXH and IVV share 16 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXH or IVV?
FTXH yields 1.09% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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