AFK vs IVV
VanEck Africa Index ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFK | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.02% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.69% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.41% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.57% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
AFK vs IVV Performance
VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is a ETF from VanEck and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AFK returned +29.69% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, AFK is up 6.02% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, AFK compounded at +24.41% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.57% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFK has the edge at +8.18% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% 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 -43.2% for AFK 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFK charges 0.76% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFK currently yields 1.05% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AFK and IVV share 0 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFK or IVV?
AFK has an expense ratio of 0.76% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFK or IVV?
Over the past year AFK returned +29.69% vs +21.64% for IVV, so AFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFK annualized +8.18% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFK or IVV?
AFK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AFK -43.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFK and IVV?
AFK and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFK and IVV?
AFK and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFK or IVV?
AFK yields 1.05% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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