FYC vs IVV
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FYC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYC | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +27.19% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.80% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.18% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FYC vs IVV Performance
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) 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 FYC returned +47.80% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, FYC is up 27.19% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, FYC compounded at +27.18% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYC has the edge at +12.60% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -48.1% for FYC 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
FYC charges 0.70% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYC currently yields 0.07% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FYC and IVV share 0 holdings out of 765 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYC or IVV?
FYC has an expense ratio of 0.70% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYC or IVV?
Over the past year FYC returned +47.80% vs +21.64% for IVV, so FYC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYC annualized +12.60% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYC or IVV?
FYC has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FYC -48.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FYC and IVV?
FYC 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 FYC and IVV?
FYC and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 765 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYC or IVV?
FYC yields 0.07% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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