DIVS vs IVV
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +14.34% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.60% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
DIVS vs IVV Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, DIVS is up 14.34% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.25% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DIVS has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVS 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, DIVS currently yields 2.73% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and IVV share 19 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or IVV?
DIVS 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, DIVS or IVV?
Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.39% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIVS and IVV?
DIVS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVS and IVV?
DIVS and IVV share 19 common holdings with a 10.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or IVV?
DIVS yields 2.73% while IVV yields 1.09%, so DIVS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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