FXN vs IVV
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXN | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $372M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +34.98% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.21% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.10% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.78% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXN vs IVV Performance
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) 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 FXN returned +48.21% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, FXN is up 34.98% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, FXN compounded at +11.10% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +19.78% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.8% 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 -88.6% for FXN 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXN 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, FXN currently yields 1.83% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXN and IVV share 22 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXN or IVV?
FXN 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, FXN or IVV?
Over the past year FXN returned +48.21% vs +22.02% for IVV, so FXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXN annualized +1.33% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXN or IVV?
FXN has been the more volatile fund at 34.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FXN -88.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXN and IVV?
FXN and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXN and IVV?
FXN and IVV share 22 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXN or IVV?
FXN yields 1.83% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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