IVV vs VGLT
IVV vs VGLT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VGLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $10.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.51% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | +13.52% | -2.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.63% | -1.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +0.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | -7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 19, 2009 |
IVV vs VGLT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Long Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% while VGLT returned -1.20%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.52% versus a loss of 2.35% for VGLT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +0.36% for VGLT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.52% and -7.14% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.35%. 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 12.4% for VGLT. 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 -47.1% for VGLT. 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGLT charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.51% for VGLT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGLT share 0 holdings out of 598 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 VGLT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGLT charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGLT?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% vs -1.20% for VGLT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +0.35% for VGLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGLT?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for VGLT. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGLT -47.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGLT?
IVV and VGLT have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGLT?
IVV and VGLT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGLT?
IVV yields 1.09% while VGLT yields 4.51%, so VGLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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