BWX vs IVV
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. BWX offers more diversification with 1,406 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BWX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,406 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -1.76% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.43% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.63% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.33% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
BWX vs IVV Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF (BWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year BWX returned -3.43% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, BWX is down 1.76% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, BWX compounded at +1.63% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -4.33% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.45%. 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 9.0% for BWX. 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 -34.9% for BWX 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BWX charges 0.35% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BWX currently yields 2.39% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
BWX and IVV share 1 holdings out of 508 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 BWX | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BWX or IVV?
BWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BWX or IVV?
Over the past year BWX returned -3.43% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), BWX annualized -0.45% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BWX or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.0% for BWX. Worst drawdown: BWX -34.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both BWX and IVV?
BWX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BWX and IVV?
BWX and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWX or IVV?
BWX yields 2.39% while IVV yields 1.09%, so BWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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