GOVT vs IVV
GOVT vs IVV
iShares US Treasury Bond ETF 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 | GOVT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43.6B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 216 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -2.28% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.79% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.34% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.22% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
GOVT vs IVV Performance
iShares US Treasury Bond ETF (GOVT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GOVT returned -0.79% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, GOVT is down 2.28% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, GOVT compounded at +2.34% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -1.22% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +1.04%. 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 4.5% for GOVT. 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 -23.4% for GOVT 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOVT charges 0.05% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $3 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOVT currently yields 3.57% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GOVT and IVV share 1 holdings out of 692 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GOVT | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOVT or IVV?
GOVT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOVT or IVV?
Over the past year GOVT returned -0.79% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GOVT annualized +1.04% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOVT or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.5% for GOVT. Worst drawdown: GOVT -23.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GOVT and IVV?
GOVT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOVT and IVV?
GOVT and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 692 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOVT or IVV?
GOVT yields 3.57% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GOVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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