IVV vs VFIAX
IVV vs VFIAX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class
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 | VFIAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $690.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.28% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 506 | |
| YTD Return | +9.93% | +9.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.59% | +18.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.41% | +17.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +11.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 13, 2000 |
IVV vs VFIAX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class (VFIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +19.59% while VFIAX returned +18.13%. Year to date, IVV is up 9.93% versus a gain of 9.21% for VFIAX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +19.41% per year against +17.85% for VFIAX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +11.12% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VFIAX has the edge at +11.12% annualized vs +6.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -25.4% for VFIAX. 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 0.99. 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 VFIAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.28% for VFIAX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VFIAX share 491 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 91.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in VFIAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.76% | 7.58% | 0.18% |
| AAPL | 7.44% | 6.66% | 0.78% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 4.92% | 0.35% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with VFIAX 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 VFIAX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VFIAX charges 0.04%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VFIAX?
Over the past year IVV returned +19.59% vs +18.13% for VFIAX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.91% vs +11.12% for VFIAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VFIAX?
VFIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VFIAX -25.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and VFIAX?
IVV and VFIAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VFIAX?
IVV and VFIAX share 491 common holdings with a 91.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VFIAX?
IVV yields 1.09% while VFIAX yields 1.28%, so VFIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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