FYX vs IVV
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FYX offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +25.78% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.32% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.97% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.93% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FYX vs IVV Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +40.32% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, FYX is up 25.78% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +20.97% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.93% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FYX has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and IVV share 1 holdings out of 1013 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FYX | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPGP | 0.05% | 0.62% | 0.57% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYX or IVV?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or IVV?
Over the past year FYX returned +40.32% vs +20.94% for IVV, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FYX annualized +8.80% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or IVV?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FYX and IVV?
FYX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and IVV?
FYX and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1013 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or IVV?
FYX yields 0.90% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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