IVV vs VGVT
IVV vs VGVT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Government Securities Active 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 | VGVT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.96% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 194 | |
| YTD Return | +13.52% | -0.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.63% | +1.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -2.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 18, 2025 |
IVV vs VGVT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% while VGVT returned +1.93%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.52% versus a loss of 0.33% for VGVT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.2% for VGVT. 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 -2.8% for VGVT. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGVT charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $10 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.96% for VGVT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGVT share 0 holdings out of 648 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 VGVT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGVT charges 0.10%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGVT?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.63% vs +1.93% for VGVT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +2.68% for VGVT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGVT?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.2% for VGVT. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGVT -2.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGVT?
IVV and VGVT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGVT?
IVV and VGVT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGVT?
IVV yields 1.09% while VGVT yields 3.96%, so VGVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.