FXO vs IVV
First Trust Financials 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXO | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +11.36% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.21% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.23% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXO vs IVV Performance
First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund (FXO) 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 FXO returned +17.21% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, FXO is up 11.36% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, FXO compounded at +21.23% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.70% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXO has the edge at +7.17% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -72.2% for FXO 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXO 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, FXO currently yields 2.21% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXO and IVV share 42 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXO or IVV?
FXO 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, FXO or IVV?
Over the past year FXO returned +17.21% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXO annualized +7.17% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXO or IVV?
FXO has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FXO -72.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXO and IVV?
FXO and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXO and IVV?
FXO and IVV share 42 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXO or IVV?
FXO yields 2.21% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FXO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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