BCV vs IVV
Bancroft Fund Ltd vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. BCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $177M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +13.84% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.19% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.62% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1971 | May 15, 2000 |
BCV vs IVV Performance
Bancroft Fund Ltd (BCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, BCV is up 13.84% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BCV compounded at +19.62% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.25% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -99.4% for BCV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BCV charges 1.11% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $3 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCV currently yields 3.46% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BCV and IVV share 4 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BCV or IVV?
BCV has an expense ratio of 1.11% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCV or IVV?
Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% vs +23.70% for IVV, so BCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), BCV annualized +2.63% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCV or IVV?
BCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: BCV -99.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BCV and IVV?
BCV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BCV and IVV?
BCV and IVV share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCV or IVV?
BCV yields 3.46% while IVV yields 1.09%, so BCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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