HISF vs IVV
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF 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 | HISF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $99M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.16% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.42% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
HISF vs IVV Performance
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) 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 HISF returned +2.42% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, HISF is down 0.16% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, HISF compounded at +5.16% per year against +22.08% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +1.74%. 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 5.5% for HISF. 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 -10.4% for HISF 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HISF charges 0.83% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $3 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HISF currently yields 5.11% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
HISF and IVV share 0 holdings out of 516 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, HISF or IVV?
HISF has an expense ratio of 0.83% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HISF or IVV?
Over the past year HISF returned +2.42% vs +21.89% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HISF annualized +1.74% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HISF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for HISF. Worst drawdown: HISF -10.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both HISF and IVV?
HISF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HISF and IVV?
HISF and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HISF or IVV?
HISF yields 5.11% while IVV yields 1.10%, so HISF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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