CALF vs IVV
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +27.60% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.42% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.76% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.55% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | May 15, 2000 |
CALF vs IVV Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CALF returned +35.42% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, CALF is up 27.60% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +10.76% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.55% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, CALF has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CALF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF charges 0.59% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALF currently yields 1.20% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and IVV share 15 holdings out of 691 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CALF or IVV?
CALF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALF or IVV?
Over the past year CALF returned +35.42% vs +22.02% for IVV, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.84% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or IVV?
CALF has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CALF and IVV?
CALF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and IVV?
CALF and IVV share 15 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 691 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or IVV?
CALF yields 1.20% while IVV yields 1.09%, so CALF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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