IVV vs XFEB
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February
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 | IVV | XFEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $31M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +6.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +10.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -9.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 20, 2024 |
IVV vs XFEB Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while XFEB returned +10.30%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 6.11% for XFEB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.6% for XFEB. 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 -9.1% for XFEB. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XFEB charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for XFEB.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XFEB share 0 holdings out of 506 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 XFEB?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XFEB charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or XFEB?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +10.30% for XFEB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +10.05% for XFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XFEB?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.6% for XFEB. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XFEB -9.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and XFEB?
IVV and XFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XFEB?
IVV and XFEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XFEB?
IVV yields 1.09% while XFEB yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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