GCV vs IVV
GCV vs IVV
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $93M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.07% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +16.55% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.54% | +24.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +21.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 1995 | May 15, 2000 |
GCV vs IVV Performance
Gabelli Convertible and Income Securities Fund (GCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GCV returned +33.54% while IVV returned +24.00%. Year to date, GCV is up 16.55% versus a gain of 13.31% for IVV.
Over three years, GCV compounded at +16.44% per year against +21.16% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.67% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -70.9% for GCV 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCV charges 3.20% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $320 vs $3 annually, a gap of $317 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCV currently yields 10.07% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GCV and IVV share 24 holdings out of 550 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GCV | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 2.52% | 0.28% | 2.24% |
| MCHP | 2.05% | 0.07% | 1.98% |
| HPE | 2.01% | 0.10% | 1.91% |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings GCV shares with IVV Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCV or IVV?
GCV has an expense ratio of 3.20% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $317 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCV or IVV?
Over the past year GCV returned +33.54% vs +24.00% for IVV, so GCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), GCV annualized -0.87% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCV or IVV?
GCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GCV -70.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GCV and IVV?
GCV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCV and IVV?
GCV and IVV share 24 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCV or IVV?
GCV yields 10.07% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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