CGUS vs IVV
Capital Group Core Equity 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 | CGUS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.02% | +12.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.32% | +20.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.85% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
CGUS vs IVV Performance
Capital Group Core Equity ETF (CGUS) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year CGUS returned +18.32% while IVV returned +20.24%. Year to date, CGUS is up 12.02% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, CGUS compounded at +21.85% per year against +21.78% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, CGUS has the edge at +15.59% 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 14.9% for CGUS. 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 -21.9% for CGUS 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGUS charges 0.33% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $3 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGUS currently yields 0.84% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
CGUS and IVV share 54 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGUS or IVV?
CGUS has an expense ratio of 0.33% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGUS or IVV?
Over the past year CGUS returned +18.32% vs +20.24% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CGUS annualized +15.59% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGUS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for CGUS. Worst drawdown: CGUS -21.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both CGUS and IVV?
CGUS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CGUS and IVV?
CGUS and IVV share 54 common holdings with a 43.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGUS or IVV?
CGUS yields 0.84% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.