FXG vs IVV
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FXG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $232M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.54% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.18% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.38% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXG vs IVV Performance
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) 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 FXG returned +4.54% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, FXG is up 8.92% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, FXG compounded at +3.18% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.38% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +6.99%. 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 14.7% for FXG. 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 -40.0% for FXG 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXG charges 0.63% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $3 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXG currently yields 2.37% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXG and IVV share 24 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXG or IVV?
FXG has an expense ratio of 0.63% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXG or IVV?
Over the past year FXG returned +4.54% vs +21.79% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXG annualized +6.99% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXG or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for FXG. Worst drawdown: FXG -40.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXG and IVV?
FXG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXG and IVV?
FXG and IVV share 24 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXG or IVV?
FXG yields 2.37% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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