BLW vs IVV
BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BLW offers more diversification with 2,073 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $520M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.33% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 2,073 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.20% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.82% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.45% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.58% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2003 | May 15, 2000 |
BLW vs IVV Performance
BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BLW returned +0.82% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, BLW is down 0.20% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, BLW compounded at +9.45% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.58% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +0.24%. 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 12.1% for BLW. 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 -53.5% for BLW 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLW charges 4.48% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $448 vs $3 annually, a gap of $445 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLW currently yields 10.33% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BLW and IVV share 0 holdings out of 1502 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, BLW or IVV?
BLW has an expense ratio of 4.48% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $445 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLW or IVV?
Over the past year BLW returned +0.82% vs +21.62% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), BLW annualized +0.24% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLW or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.1% for BLW. Worst drawdown: BLW -53.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLW and IVV?
BLW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLW and IVV?
BLW and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1502 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLW or IVV?
BLW yields 10.33% while IVV yields 1.10%, so BLW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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