CEF vs IVV

Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. CEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: CEFMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCEFIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.46%0.03%
AUM$7.4B$865.2B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings4508
YTD Return-5.55%+13.80%
1Y Return+38.70%+23.70%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.28%+21.49%
5Y Return (annualized)+20.10%+13.43%
Volatility (annualized)23.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-62.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilySprott Asset Management LPiShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJan 16, 2018May 15, 2000

CEF vs IVV Performance

Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, CEF is down 5.55% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.

Over three years, CEF compounded at +34.28% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +20.10% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, CEF has the edge at +7.71% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -62.3% for CEF 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CEF charges 0.46% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $3 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEF currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CEF or IVV?

CEF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CEF or IVV?

Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% vs +23.70% for IVV, so CEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), CEF annualized +7.71% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CEF or IVV?

CEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: CEF -62.3% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both CEF and IVV?

CEF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CEF or IVV?

CEF yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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