IVV vs MGOV
IVV vs MGOV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Intermediate Government 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 | MGOV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $101M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.95% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 186 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | -0.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.48% | +2.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +4.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 2, 2023 |
IVV vs MGOV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% while MGOV returned +2.34%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.54% versus a loss of 0.33% for MGOV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.86% per year against +4.36% for MGOV. Across the full 3-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +4.53%. 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 6.4% for MGOV. 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 -6.1% for MGOV. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MGOV charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.95% for MGOV.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MGOV share 0 holdings out of 574 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 MGOV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MGOV charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MGOV?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% vs +2.34% for MGOV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +6.97% vs +4.53% for MGOV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MGOV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.4% for MGOV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MGOV -6.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and MGOV?
IVV and MGOV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MGOV?
IVV and MGOV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MGOV?
IVV yields 1.09% while MGOV yields 4.95%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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