FXU vs IVV
First Trust Utilities 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 | FXU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $809M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.87% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.10% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.19% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.44% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FXU vs IVV Performance
First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) 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 FXU returned +11.10% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, FXU is up 7.87% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, FXU compounded at +20.19% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.44% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +5.44%. 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 14.5% for FXU. 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 -51.5% for FXU 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
FXU 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, FXU currently yields 2.19% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FXU and IVV share 29 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXU or IVV?
FXU 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, FXU or IVV?
Over the past year FXU returned +11.10% vs +21.62% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXU annualized +5.44% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXU or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for FXU. Worst drawdown: FXU -51.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXU and IVV?
FXU 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 FXU and IVV?
FXU and IVV share 29 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXU or IVV?
FXU yields 2.19% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.