IFV vs VOO
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $225M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.15% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.05% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.30% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.12% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IFV vs VOO Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IFV returned +12.05% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, IFV is up 4.15% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, IFV compounded at +15.30% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.12% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +3.19%. 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 VOO 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 VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IFV and VOO 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 VOO?
IFV has an expense ratio of 1.14% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFV or VOO?
Over the past year IFV returned +12.05% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IFV annualized +3.19% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFV or VOO?
IFV has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IFV -51.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IFV and VOO?
IFV and VOO 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 VOO?
IFV and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFV or VOO?
IFV yields 1.75% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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