BGLD vs IVV
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer 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 | BGLD | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $51M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -1.80% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.65% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.69% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.72% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2021 | May 15, 2000 |
BGLD vs IVV Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Quarterly Buffer ETF (BGLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BGLD returned +10.65% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, BGLD is down 1.80% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, BGLD compounded at +19.69% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.72% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, BGLD has the edge at +9.66% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 10.1% for BGLD. 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 -16.2% for BGLD 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGLD charges 0.91% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $3 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGLD currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGLD or IVV?
BGLD has an expense ratio of 0.91% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGLD or IVV?
Over the past year BGLD returned +10.65% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BGLD annualized +9.66% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGLD or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for BGLD. Worst drawdown: BGLD -16.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BGLD and IVV?
BGLD and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGLD or IVV?
BGLD yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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