IVV vs LGOV
IVV vs LGOV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Long Duration Opportunities 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 | LGOV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $622M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.25% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 163 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | -1.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.48% | +1.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +3.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | -2.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 22, 2019 |
IVV vs LGOV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Long Duration Opportunities ETF (LGOV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% while LGOV returned +1.02%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.54% versus a loss of 1.53% for LGOV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.86% per year against +3.33% for LGOV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.02% and -2.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +0.03%. 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 8.9% for LGOV. 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 -33.0% for LGOV. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LGOV charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.25% for LGOV.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LGOV 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, IVV or LGOV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LGOV charges 0.49%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LGOV?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% vs +1.02% for LGOV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.97% vs +0.03% for LGOV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LGOV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.9% for LGOV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LGOV -33.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and LGOV?
IVV and LGOV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and LGOV?
IVV and LGOV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LGOV?
IVV yields 1.09% while LGOV yields 4.25%, so LGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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