IFV vs IVV
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $225M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +4.81% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.41% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.53% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
IFV vs IVV Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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 IFV returned +11.41% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, IFV is up 4.81% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, IFV compounded at +15.53% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.28% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +3.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -51.2% for IFV 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFV charges 1.14% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $114 vs $3 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFV currently yields 1.75% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IFV and IVV share 0 holdings out of 510 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, IFV or IVV?
IFV has an expense ratio of 1.14% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFV or IVV?
Over the past year IFV returned +11.41% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IFV annualized +3.24% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFV or IVV?
IFV has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IFV -51.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IFV and IVV?
IFV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFV and IVV?
IFV and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFV or IVV?
IFV yields 1.75% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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