IVV vs MSSM
IVV vs MSSM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MSSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. MSSM offers more diversification with 1406 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MSSM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.62% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $714M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 2,229 | |
| YTD Return | +13.13% | +18.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.90% | +32.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Morgan Stanley | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 9, 2024 |
IVV vs MSSM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley. Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% while MSSM returned +32.20%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.13% versus a gain of 18.35% for MSSM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -24.2% for MSSM. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MSSM charges 0.62%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $62 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.60% for MSSM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MSSM share 64 holdings out of 1847 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in MSSM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNDK | 0.36% | 1.24% | 0.88% |
| FIX | 0.10% | 1.38% | 1.28% |
| CIEN | 0.09% | 0.95% | 0.86% |
| COHR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NUVL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FFIV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LITE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHRW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with MSSM 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 MSSM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MSSM charges 0.62%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MSSM?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% vs +32.20% for MSSM, so MSSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +14.86% for MSSM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MSSM?
MSSM has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MSSM -24.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MSSM?
IVV and MSSM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MSSM?
IVV and MSSM share 64 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1847 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MSSM?
IVV yields 1.09% while MSSM yields 2.60%, so MSSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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