BUI vs IVV
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust 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 | BUI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $730M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.74% | +13.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.72% | +20.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.83% | +21.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.91% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
BUI vs IVV Performance
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) 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 BUI returned +9.72% while IVV returned +20.65%. Year to date, BUI is up 8.74% versus a gain of 13.51% for IVV.
Over three years, BUI compounded at +16.83% per year against +21.94% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.91% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUI 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 -48.3% for BUI 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUI charges 1.07% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $3 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 10.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUI and IVV share 24 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUI or IVV?
BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUI or IVV?
Over the past year BUI returned +9.72% vs +20.65% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.82% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUI or IVV?
BUI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUI and IVV?
BUI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUI and IVV?
BUI and IVV share 24 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or IVV?
BUI yields 10.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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