IVV vs PWS
IVV vs PWS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Pacer WealthShield 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 | PWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $24M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.29% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 235 | |
| YTD Return | +13.13% | +0.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.90% | +5.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +6.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +1.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 11, 2017 |
IVV vs PWS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% while PWS returned +5.52%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.13% versus a gain of 0.74% for PWS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.08% per year against +6.78% for PWS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +1.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +4.41%. 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 12.5% for PWS. 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 -24.9% for PWS. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PWS charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.29% for PWS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PWS share 188 holdings out of 646 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in PWS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.76% | 3.99% | 3.77% |
| AAPL | 7.44% | 3.83% | 3.61% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 2.45% | 2.12% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WELL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PLD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with PWS 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 PWS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PWS charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PWS?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% vs +5.52% for PWS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +4.41% for PWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PWS?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PWS -24.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and PWS?
IVV and PWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PWS?
IVV and PWS share 188 common holdings with a 30.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PWS?
IVV yields 1.09% while PWS yields 1.29%, so PWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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