DES vs IVV

Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. DES delivered stronger 1-year returns. DES offers more diversification with 510 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: DESMore Diversified: DES

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDESIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.38%0.03%
AUM$2.2B$865.2B
Dividend Yield2.26%1.09%
Holdings530508
YTD Return+23.39%+13.80%
1Y Return+31.58%+23.01%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.84%+21.77%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.11%+13.39%
Volatility (annualized)20.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-68.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyWisdomTree InvestmentsiShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 16, 2006May 15, 2000

DES vs IVV Performance

WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) 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 DES returned +31.58% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, DES is up 23.39% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.

Over three years, DES compounded at +13.84% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.11% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.1% for DES 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DES charges 0.38% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DES currently yields 2.26% against 1.09% for IVV.

Holdings Overlap

0.4%overlap

DES and IVV share 2 holdings out of 1013 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DESWeight in IVVDifference
NUVL0.30%0.62%0.32%
PSX0.14%0.13%0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DES or IVV?

DES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DES or IVV?

Over the past year DES returned +31.58% vs +23.01% for IVV, so DES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DES annualized +5.31% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DES or IVV?

DES has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DES -68.1% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both DES and IVV?

DES and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DES and IVV?

DES and IVV share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1013 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DES or IVV?

DES yields 2.26% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DES currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.