Choosing a Tech ETF: Low Fees vs. Targeted Exposure
- FTEC
- IYW
- ^GSPC
The choice between Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSEMKT:FTEC) and iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSEMKT:IYW) often comes down to cost and diversification within the domestic technology sector.
Both funds offer broad exposure to U.S.-listed technology companies, serving as core building blocks for growth-oriented portfolios. While they target the same market segment, their underlying indexes lead to different holding counts and cost structures that may influence long-term efficiency for buy-and-hold investors.
Snapshot (cost & size)
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
The Fidelity fund is more affordable, with an expense ratio of 0.08% versus 0.37% for the iShares fund. Additionally, the Fidelity fund offers a higher payout, providing a 0.30 percentage point advantage in distribution yield.
Performance & risk comparison
What’s inside
Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF allocates 99% of its portfolio to technology and holds 294 securities. Its largest positions include Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) at 17.73%, Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) at 16.95%, and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) at 12.22%. It was launched in 2013. Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF has paid $1.11 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, on its recent ~$271.6 share price, works out to a 0.4% yield.
iShares U.S. Technology ETF holds a leaner group of 148 positions, with heavy tilts toward semiconductors (38%), software (30%), and hardware (22%). Top holdings include Apple at 17.41%, Nvidia at 16.68%, and Microsoft at 13.56%. It was launched in 2000. iShares U.S. Technology ETF has paid $0.25 per share over the trailing 12 months, which, on its recent ~$236.5 share price, works out to a 0.1% yield.
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Which looks like the better buy
When comparing the Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) and the iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW), investors should consider several key factors. Let’s see what they tell us about each fund.
