IVV vs IXJ
IVV vs IXJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Global Healthcare 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 | IVV | IXJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $4.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.47% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 125 | |
| YTD Return | +13.52% | +3.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.63% | +19.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +6.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +4.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 13, 2001 |
IVV vs IXJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% while IXJ returned +19.59%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.52% versus a gain of 3.10% for IXJ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +6.94% for IXJ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.52% and +4.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.02%. 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 13.2% for IXJ. 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 -42.8% for IXJ. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while IXJ charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $40 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.47% for IXJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and IXJ share 62 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in IXJ | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 1.44% | 10.75% | 9.31% |
| JNJ | 0.93% | 7.07% | 6.14% |
| ABBV | 0.70% | 5.10% | 4.40% |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ROP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with IXJ 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, IVV or IXJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while IXJ charges 0.40%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or IXJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% vs +19.59% for IXJ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +6.02% for IXJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or IXJ?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs IXJ -42.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and IXJ?
IVV and IXJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and IXJ?
IVV and IXJ share 62 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or IXJ?
IVV yields 1.09% while IXJ yields 1.47%, so IXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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