IVV vs MFSM
IVV vs MFSM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs MFS Active Intermediate Muni Bond 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 | MFSM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.34% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $100M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.55% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 305 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +0.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +4.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | MFS Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 5, 2024 |
IVV vs MFSM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and MFS Active Intermediate Muni Bond ETF (MFSM) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while MFSM returned +4.99%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 0.93% for MFSM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.7% for MFSM. 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 -3.9% for MFSM. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MFSM charges 0.34%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $34 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.55% for MFSM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MFSM share 0 holdings out of 591 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 MFSM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MFSM charges 0.34%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MFSM?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +4.99% for MFSM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +2.87% for MFSM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MFSM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.7% for MFSM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MFSM -3.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and MFSM?
IVV and MFSM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MFSM?
IVV and MFSM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MFSM?
IVV yields 1.09% while MFSM yields 3.55%, so MFSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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