FXH vs IVV
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXH | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.14% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.56% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.82% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXH vs IVV Performance
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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 FXH returned +26.14% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, FXH is up 14.81% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, FXH compounded at +8.56% per year against +22.19% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.82% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXH has the edge at +10.38% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -43.7% for FXH 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXH charges 0.61% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXH currently yields 0.81% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXH and IVV share 43 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXH or IVV?
FXH has an expense ratio of 0.61% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXH or IVV?
Over the past year FXH returned +26.14% vs +21.79% for IVV, so FXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXH annualized +10.38% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXH or IVV?
FXH has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FXH -43.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXH and IVV?
FXH and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXH and IVV?
FXH and IVV share 43 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXH or IVV?
FXH yields 0.81% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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