FXL vs IVV
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +26.26% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.85% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.44% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.74% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXL vs IVV Performance
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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 FXL returned +36.85% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FXL is up 26.26% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FXL compounded at +24.44% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.74% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXL has the edge at +13.36% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -61.4% for FXL 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXL 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, FXL currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXL and IVV share 51 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXL or IVV?
FXL 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, FXL or IVV?
Over the past year FXL returned +36.85% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXL annualized +13.36% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXL or IVV?
FXL has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FXL -61.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXL and IVV?
FXL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXL and IVV?
FXL and IVV share 51 common holdings with a 13.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXL or IVV?
FXL yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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