IVV vs XFLT
IVV vs XFLT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust
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 | XFLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 6.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $345M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 16.04% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 535 | |
| YTD Return | +11.54% | -6.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.48% | -14.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | -1.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.02% | -1.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | XA Investments LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 27, 2017 |
IVV vs XFLT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) is a ETF from XA Investments LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% while XFLT returned -14.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.54% versus a loss of 6.10% for XFLT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.86% per year against -1.89% for XFLT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.02% and -1.86% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs -1.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XFLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.7% 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 -64.6% for XFLT. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XFLT charges 6.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $629 annually, a gap of $626 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 16.04% for XFLT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XFLT share 1 holdings out of 720 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in XFLT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 0.04% | 1.32% | 1.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XFLT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XFLT charges 6.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $626 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or XFLT?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.48% vs -14.22% for XFLT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +6.97% vs -1.84% for XFLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XFLT?
XFLT has been the more volatile fund at 25.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XFLT -64.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and XFLT?
IVV and XFLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XFLT?
IVV and XFLT share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 720 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XFLT?
IVV yields 1.09% while XFLT yields 16.04%, so XFLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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