BSTP vs IVV
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSTP | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $60M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.49% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.38% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.91% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
BSTP vs IVV Performance
Innovator Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF (BSTP) 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 BSTP returned +13.38% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, BSTP is up 8.49% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, BSTP compounded at +13.91% per year against +21.80% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, BSTP has the edge at +11.04% 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 11.0% for BSTP. 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 -16.7% for BSTP 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTP charges 0.89% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTP currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTP or IVV?
BSTP has an expense ratio of 0.89% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTP or IVV?
Over the past year BSTP returned +13.38% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BSTP annualized +11.04% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTP or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.0% for BSTP. Worst drawdown: BSTP -16.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BSTP and IVV?
BSTP and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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, BSTP or IVV?
BSTP yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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