IVV vs VFH
IVV vs VFH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Financials 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 | VFH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $12.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 415 | |
| YTD Return | +13.52% | +6.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.63% | +13.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +11.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -79.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2004 |
IVV vs VFH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% while VFH returned +13.83%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.52% versus a gain of 6.84% for VFH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +20.40% for VFH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.52% and +11.69% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -79.9% for VFH. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VFH charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.77% for VFH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VFH share 76 holdings out of 841 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in VFH | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 1.43% | 9.19% | 7.76% |
| BRK.B | 1.39% | 7.46% | 6.07% |
| MA | 0.67% | 4.88% | 4.21% |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AXP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with VFH 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 VFH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VFH charges 0.09%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VFH?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% vs +13.83% for VFH, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +5.27% for VFH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VFH?
VFH has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VFH -79.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and VFH?
IVV and VFH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VFH?
IVV and VFH share 76 common holdings with a 12.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VFH?
IVV yields 1.09% while VFH yields 1.77%, so VFH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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