BLV vs IVV
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BLV offers more diversification with 2765 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.0B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,941 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -2.87% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.77% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.93% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.85% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
BLV vs IVV Performance
Vanguard Long-Term Bond ETF (BLV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BLV returned -0.77% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, BLV is down 2.87% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, BLV compounded at +1.93% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -4.85% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.50%. 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 11.0% for BLV. 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 -40.7% for BLV 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
BLV charges 0.03% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, BLV currently yields 4.72% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BLV and IVV share 1 holdings out of 3269 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BLV | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.01% | 0.15% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLV or IVV?
BLV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while IVV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLV or IVV?
Over the past year BLV returned -0.77% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BLV annualized +0.50% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLV or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.0% for BLV. Worst drawdown: BLV -40.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLV and IVV?
BLV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLV and IVV?
BLV and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3269 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLV or IVV?
BLV yields 4.72% while IVV yields 1.09%, so BLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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