IVV vs SSPY
IVV vs SSPY
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Stratified LargeCap Index 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 | SSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.24% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | +13.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.48% | +20.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +14.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Syntax Stratified | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 2, 2019 |
IVV vs SSPY Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified. Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% while SSPY returned +20.86%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.54% versus a gain of 13.46% for SSPY.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.86% per year against +14.00% for SSPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.02% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +13.84% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -36.7% for SSPY. 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 0.93. 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 SSPY charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.24% for SSPY.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SSPY share 487 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in SSPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.44% | 0.59% | 6.85% |
| NVDA | 7.76% | 0.17% | 7.59% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 1.05% | 3.52% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with SSPY 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 SSPY?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SSPY charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SSPY?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% vs +20.86% for SSPY, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.97% vs +13.84% for SSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SSPY?
SSPY has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SSPY -36.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and SSPY?
IVV and SSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 SSPY?
IVV and SSPY share 487 common holdings with a 43.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SSPY?
IVV yields 1.09% while SSPY yields 1.24%, so SSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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