BAUG vs IVV
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August 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 | BAUG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $195M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.67% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.90% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.75% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2019 | May 15, 2000 |
BAUG vs IVV Performance
Innovator U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - August (BAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BAUG returned +16.90% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, BAUG is up 10.67% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BAUG compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.75% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BAUG has the edge at +12.01% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 11.6% for BAUG. 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 -24.2% for BAUG 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAUG charges 0.79% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAUG or IVV?
BAUG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAUG or IVV?
Over the past year BAUG returned +16.90% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BAUG annualized +12.01% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAUG or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.6% for BAUG. Worst drawdown: BAUG -24.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BAUG and IVV?
BAUG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAUG or IVV?
BAUG yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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