IVV vs MDYG
IVV vs MDYG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MDYG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MDYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 247 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +19.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +28.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +16.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +8.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -59.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 8, 2005 |
IVV vs MDYG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while MDYG returned +28.03%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 19.69% for MDYG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +16.18% for MDYG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +8.45% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, MDYG has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -59.3% for MDYG. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MDYG charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $15 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.57% for MDYG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MDYG share 0 holdings out of 520 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 MDYG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MDYG charges 0.15%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MDYG?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +28.03% for MDYG, so MDYG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +9.41% for MDYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MDYG?
MDYG has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MDYG -59.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and MDYG?
IVV and MDYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MDYG?
IVV and MDYG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MDYG?
IVV yields 1.09% while MDYG yields 0.57%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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