IVV vs RFEU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RFEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RFEU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.64% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +1.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +28.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +13.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +6.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 14, 2016 |
IVV vs RFEU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while RFEU returned +28.40%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 1.15% for RFEU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +13.10% for RFEU; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +6.58% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFEU has the edge at +7.60% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -42.9% for RFEU. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RFEU 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 4.64% for RFEU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RFEU share 0 holdings out of 591 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, IVV or RFEU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RFEU 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 RFEU?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +28.40% for RFEU, so RFEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.60% for RFEU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RFEU?
RFEU has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RFEU -42.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and RFEU?
IVV and RFEU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RFEU?
IVV and RFEU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RFEU?
IVV yields 1.09% while RFEU yields 4.64%, so RFEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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