FTXL vs IVV
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +66.35% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +133.73% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.37% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 15, 2000 |
FTXL vs IVV Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +133.73% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, FTXL is up 66.35% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.37% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +28.20% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +27.98% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL 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, FTXL currently yields 0.11% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and IVV share 19 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or IVV?
FTXL 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, FTXL or IVV?
Over the past year FTXL returned +133.73% vs +21.89% for IVV, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +27.98% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or IVV?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTXL and IVV?
FTXL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and IVV?
FTXL and IVV share 19 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or IVV?
FTXL yields 0.11% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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