AAUS vs IVV
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 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 | AAUS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $494M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.42% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
AAUS vs IVV Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AAUS returned +21.79% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, AAUS is up 12.42% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.6% for AAUS. 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 -9.1% for AAUS and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS charges 0.09% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and IVV share 341 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 90.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or IVV?
AAUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAUS or IVV?
Over the past year AAUS returned +21.79% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +22.10% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.6% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AAUS and IVV?
AAUS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 AAUS and IVV?
AAUS and IVV share 341 common holdings with a 90.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or IVV?
AAUS yields 0.34% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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