AGZ vs IVV
iShares Agency Bond 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGZ | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $569M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.72% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.73% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.91% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.48% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.10% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
AGZ vs IVV Performance
iShares Agency Bond ETF (AGZ) 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 AGZ returned +2.91% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, AGZ is up 0.73% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, AGZ compounded at +4.48% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.10% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +1.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.7% for AGZ. 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 -12.1% for AGZ 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGZ charges 0.20% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGZ currently yields 3.72% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AGZ and IVV share 1 holdings out of 590 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AGZ | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.47% | 0.15% | 0.32% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGZ or IVV?
AGZ has an expense ratio of 0.20% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGZ or IVV?
Over the past year AGZ returned +2.91% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AGZ annualized +1.19% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGZ or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.7% for AGZ. Worst drawdown: AGZ -12.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AGZ and IVV?
AGZ and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGZ and IVV?
AGZ and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGZ or IVV?
AGZ yields 3.72% while IVV yields 1.10%, so AGZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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