IVV vs VGI
IVV vs VGI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund
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 | VGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.74% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $88M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 11.98% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 646 | |
| YTD Return | +13.13% | +0.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.90% | +4.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +11.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +1.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -63.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 23, 2012 |
IVV vs VGI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% while VGI returned +4.93%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.13% versus a gain of 0.65% for VGI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.08% per year against +11.35% for VGI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +1.98% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs -2.44%. 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 14.1% for VGI. 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 -63.3% for VGI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $174 annually, a gap of $171 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 11.98% for VGI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGI share 0 holdings out of 939 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VGI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGI charges 1.74%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $171 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGI?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.90% vs +4.93% for VGI, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs -2.44% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGI?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VGI. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGI -63.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGI?
IVV and VGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGI?
IVV and VGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 939 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGI?
IVV yields 1.09% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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