AGEM vs IVV
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AGEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGEM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $336M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +24.06% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.69% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.78% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +40.78% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1993 | May 15, 2000 |
AGEM vs IVV Performance
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) is a ETF from Aberdeen and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AGEM returned +39.69% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, AGEM is up 24.06% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, AGEM compounded at +40.78% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +40.78% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% 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 -33.5% for AGEM 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGEM charges 0.70% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGEM currently yields 1.89% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AGEM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 594 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, AGEM or IVV?
AGEM has an expense ratio of 0.70% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGEM or IVV?
Over the past year AGEM returned +39.69% vs +22.02% for IVV, so AGEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), AGEM annualized +5.69% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGEM or IVV?
AGEM has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AGEM -33.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AGEM and IVV?
AGEM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGEM and IVV?
AGEM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGEM or IVV?
AGEM yields 1.89% while IVV yields 1.09%, so AGEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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