FYT vs IVV
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FYT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +28.23% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.62% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.37% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.74% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
FYT vs IVV Performance
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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 FYT returned +35.62% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, FYT is up 28.23% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, FYT compounded at +16.37% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.74% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYT has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -51.7% for FYT 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYT 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, FYT currently yields 1.43% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FYT 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, FYT or IVV?
FYT 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, FYT or IVV?
Over the past year FYT returned +35.62% vs +21.62% for IVV, so FYT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYT annualized +9.27% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYT or IVV?
FYT has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FYT -51.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FYT and IVV?
FYT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYT and IVV?
FYT and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 765 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYT or IVV?
FYT yields 1.43% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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