AAXJ vs IVV
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AAXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. AAXJ offers more diversification with 956 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAXJ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 956 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.19% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.09% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.62% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
AAXJ vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF (AAXJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AAXJ returned +37.19% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, AAXJ is up 20.86% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, AAXJ compounded at +24.09% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.62% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +5.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -49.4% for AAXJ 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAXJ charges 0.72% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $3 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAXJ currently yields 1.41% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AAXJ and IVV share 3 holdings out of 1322 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAXJ or IVV?
AAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAXJ or IVV?
Over the past year AAXJ returned +37.19% vs +20.94% for IVV, so AAXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AAXJ annualized +5.32% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAXJ or IVV?
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AAXJ -49.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AAXJ and IVV?
AAXJ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAXJ and IVV?
AAXJ and IVV share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1322 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAXJ or IVV?
AAXJ yields 1.41% while IVV yields 1.10%, so AAXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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