AKAF vs IVV
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AKAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 137 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +15.48% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.02% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
AKAF vs IVV Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AKAF returned +28.02% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, AKAF is up 15.48% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.2% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF 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, AKAF currently yields 3.02% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and IVV share 70 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or IVV?
AKAF 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, AKAF or IVV?
Over the past year AKAF returned +28.02% vs +22.02% for IVV, so AKAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +31.22% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AKAF and IVV?
AKAF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and IVV?
AKAF and IVV share 70 common holdings with a 13.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or IVV?
AKAF yields 3.02% while IVV yields 1.09%, so AKAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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