AMLP vs IVV
Alerian MLP 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AMLP | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.17% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.22% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.61% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2010 | May 15, 2000 |
AMLP vs IVV Performance
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year AMLP returned +19.22% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, AMLP is up 19.17% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, AMLP compounded at +18.61% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +19.24% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.4% 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 -85.4% for AMLP 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AMLP charges 1.01% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AMLP currently yields 7.76% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AMLP and IVV share 0 holdings out of 519 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, AMLP or IVV?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AMLP or IVV?
Over the past year AMLP returned +19.22% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AMLP annualized +0.78% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AMLP or IVV?
AMLP has been the more volatile fund at 25.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AMLP -85.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AMLP and IVV?
AMLP and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AMLP and IVV?
AMLP and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AMLP or IVV?
AMLP yields 7.76% while IVV yields 1.09%, so AMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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