IVV vs VPU
IVV vs VPU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Utilities 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 | VPU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 70 | |
| YTD Return | +13.31% | +2.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.00% | +3.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +14.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +8.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2004 |
IVV vs VPU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +24.00% while VPU returned +3.78%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.31% versus a gain of 2.08% for VPU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.16% per year against +14.12% for VPU; over five years the annualized figures are +13.34% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +6.88%. 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 13.9% for VPU. 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 -48.4% for VPU. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VPU charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.86% for VPU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VPU share 31 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in VPU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.28% | 11.60% | 11.32% |
| SO | 0.16% | 6.84% | 6.68% |
| DUK | 0.15% | 6.24% | 6.09% |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| D | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with VPU 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 VPU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VPU charges 0.09%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VPU?
Over the past year IVV returned +24.00% vs +3.78% for VPU, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +6.88% for VPU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VPU?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.9% for VPU. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VPU -48.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and VPU?
IVV and VPU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VPU?
IVV and VPU share 31 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VPU?
IVV yields 1.09% while VPU yields 2.86%, so VPU 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.