CEW vs IVV
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEW | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +4.21% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.11% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.55% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.17% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
CEW vs IVV Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CEW returned +9.11% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.21% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.55% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.17% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.31%. 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 7.8% for CEW. 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 -27.9% for CEW 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.41% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CEW and IVV share 0 holdings out of 506 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, CEW or IVV?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or IVV?
Over the past year CEW returned +9.11% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CEW annualized +1.31% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.8% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CEW and IVV?
CEW and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and IVV?
CEW and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or IVV?
CEW yields 2.41% while IVV yields 1.09%, so CEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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