BUYW vs IVV
Main BuyWrite 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 | BUYW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.92% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.45% | +12.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.89% | +20.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.69% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2015 | May 15, 2000 |
BUYW vs IVV Performance
Main BuyWrite ETF (BUYW) is a ETF from Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BUYW returned +4.89% while IVV returned +20.24%. Year to date, BUYW is up 2.45% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, BUYW compounded at +7.69% per year against +21.78% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, BUYW has the edge at +8.77% annualized vs +6.98%. 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 4.6% for BUYW. 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 -9.4% for BUYW 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUYW charges 0.99% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $3 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUYW currently yields 5.92% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BUYW and IVV share 0 holdings out of 514 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, BUYW or IVV?
BUYW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUYW or IVV?
Over the past year BUYW returned +4.89% vs +20.24% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUYW annualized +8.77% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUYW or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.6% for BUYW. Worst drawdown: BUYW -9.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUYW and IVV?
BUYW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUYW and IVV?
BUYW and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUYW or IVV?
BUYW yields 5.92% while IVV yields 1.10%, so BUYW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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