IVV vs VLU
IVV vs VLU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VLU offers more diversification with 1497 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VLU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $750M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.63% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 1,506 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | +16.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.48% | +29.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +19.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -37.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 24, 2012 |
IVV vs VLU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 1500 Value Tilt ETF (VLU) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% while VLU returned +29.89%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.54% versus a gain of 16.89% for VLU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.86% per year against +19.52% for VLU; over five years the annualized figures are +13.02% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VLU has the edge at +11.62% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VLU 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 -37.9% for VLU. 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 0.90. 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 VLU charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $12 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.63% for VLU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VLU share 490 holdings out of 1512 unique holdings combined, representing a 57.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in VLU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 7.44% | 1.80% | 5.64% |
| NVDA | 7.76% | 0.96% | 6.80% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 2.56% | 2.01% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with VLU 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 VLU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VLU charges 0.12%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VLU?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% vs +29.89% for VLU, so VLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +6.97% vs +11.62% for VLU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VLU?
VLU has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VLU -37.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and VLU?
IVV and VLU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VLU?
IVV and VLU share 490 common holdings with a 57.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VLU?
IVV yields 1.09% while VLU yields 1.63%, so VLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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