AFOS vs IVV
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $301M | $886.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +28.94% | +12.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.52% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
AFOS vs IVV Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AFOS returned +63.52% while IVV returned +20.92%. Year to date, AFOS is up 28.94% versus a gain of 12.64% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.23% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and IVV share 21 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or IVV?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or IVV?
Over the past year AFOS returned +63.52% vs +20.92% for IVV, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +64.23% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or IVV?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFOS and IVV?
AFOS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and IVV?
AFOS and IVV share 21 common holdings with a 21.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or IVV?
AFOS yields 0.23% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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