DSU vs IVV
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DSU offers more diversification with 1,281 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $624M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.39% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.10% | +12.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.17% | +20.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.91% | +21.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.34% | +12.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | May 15, 2000 |
DSU vs IVV Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year DSU returned +0.17% while IVV returned +20.63%. Year to date, DSU is up 0.10% versus a gain of 12.76% for IVV.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +8.91% per year against +21.71% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.34% and +12.87% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.99% annualized vs -2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -84.1% for DSU 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $3 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.39% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
DSU and IVV share 1 holdings out of 1402 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DSU | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.01% | 0.35% | 0.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSU or IVV?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or IVV?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.17% vs +20.63% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), DSU annualized -2.22% vs +6.99% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or IVV?
DSU has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both DSU and IVV?
DSU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and IVV?
DSU and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1402 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or IVV?
DSU yields 12.39% while IVV yields 1.10%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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