ARDC vs IVV
ARDC vs IVV
Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund Inc. vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
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 | ARDC | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $320M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 316 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.57% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.80% | +24.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.10% | +21.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Ares Public Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 27, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
ARDC vs IVV Performance
Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund Inc. (ARDC) is a ETF from Ares Public Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ARDC returned -3.80% while IVV returned +24.00%. Year to date, ARDC is down 0.57% versus a gain of 13.31% for IVV.
Over three years, ARDC compounded at +9.10% per year against +21.16% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.61% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +0.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.5% for ARDC. 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 -57.1% for ARDC and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARDC charges 3.69% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $369 vs $3 annually, a gap of $366 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARDC currently yields 10.05% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ARDC and IVV share 0 holdings out of 605 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, ARDC or IVV?
ARDC has an expense ratio of 3.69% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $366 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARDC or IVV?
Over the past year ARDC returned -3.80% vs +24.00% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), ARDC annualized +0.35% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARDC or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.5% for ARDC. Worst drawdown: ARDC -57.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ARDC and IVV?
ARDC and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARDC and IVV?
ARDC and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARDC or IVV?
ARDC yields 10.05% while IVV yields 1.09%, so ARDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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