IVV vs PULS
IVV vs PULS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM Ultra Short 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 | PULS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $18.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 5.28% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 683 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +2.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.59% | +4.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.41% | +5.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +4.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 1.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 5, 2018 |
IVV vs PULS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +19.59% while PULS returned +4.49%. Year to date, IVV is up 9.93% versus a gain of 2.30% for PULS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +19.41% per year against +5.44% for PULS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +4.24% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.91% annualized vs +2.53%. 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 1.5% for PULS. 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 PULS. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PULS 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 5.28% for PULS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PULS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PULS 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 PULS?
Over the past year IVV returned +19.59% vs +4.49% for PULS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.91% vs +2.53% for PULS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PULS?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.5% for PULS. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PULS -6.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and PULS?
IVV and PULS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PULS?
IVV and PULS share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 915 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PULS?
IVV yields 1.09% while PULS yields 5.28%, so PULS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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