IVV vs RFFC
IVV vs RFFC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RFFC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RFFC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.48% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.91% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 58 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +14.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 6, 2016 |
IVV vs RFFC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while RFFC returned +26.78%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 14.36% for RFFC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +21.12% for RFFC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFFC has the edge at +12.23% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -36.5% for RFFC. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RFFC charges 0.48%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $48 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.91% for RFFC.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RFFC share 50 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in RFFC | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.44% | 5.64% | 1.80% |
| NVDA | 7.76% | 3.97% | 3.79% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 4.53% | 0.04% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NUVL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with RFFC 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 RFFC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RFFC charges 0.48%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RFFC?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +26.78% for RFFC, so RFFC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +12.23% for RFFC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RFFC?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RFFC -36.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and RFFC?
IVV and RFFC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RFFC?
IVV and RFFC share 50 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RFFC?
IVV yields 1.09% while RFFC yields 0.91%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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