IVV vs RFDI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RFDI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RFDI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $161M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.25% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 159 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +15.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +28.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +21.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +8.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 14, 2016 |
IVV vs RFDI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF (RFDI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while RFDI returned +28.29%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 15.08% for RFDI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +21.59% for RFDI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +8.69% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFDI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFDI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -42.4% for RFDI. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RFDI charges 0.83%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $83 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.25% for RFDI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RFDI share 1 holdings out of 651 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 IVV | Weight in RFDI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.33% | 0.13% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RFDI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RFDI charges 0.83%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RFDI?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +28.29% for RFDI, so RFDI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +8.07% for RFDI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RFDI?
RFDI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RFDI -42.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and RFDI?
IVV and RFDI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RFDI?
IVV and RFDI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RFDI?
IVV yields 1.09% while RFDI yields 3.25%, so RFDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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