DEFR vs IVV
Aptus Deferred Income 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 | DEFR | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $142M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.11% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.28% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus Capital Advisors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
DEFR vs IVV Performance
Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) is a ETF from Aptus Capital Advisors and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DEFR returned +3.28% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, DEFR is up 0.11% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.3% for DEFR. 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 -3.9% for DEFR 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEFR charges 0.79% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEFR currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DEFR 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, DEFR or IVV?
DEFR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEFR or IVV?
Over the past year DEFR returned +3.28% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DEFR annualized +5.56% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEFR or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.3% for DEFR. Worst drawdown: DEFR -3.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DEFR and IVV?
DEFR and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEFR and IVV?
DEFR and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEFR or IVV?
DEFR yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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