ECF vs IVV
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. 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 | ECF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $218M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.35% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.36% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.40% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 1986 | May 15, 2000 |
ECF vs IVV Performance
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ECF returned +21.36% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, ECF is up 8.35% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, ECF compounded at +18.29% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.40% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, ECF has the edge at +8.28% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -83.1% for ECF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECF charges 1.16% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $3 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECF currently yields 3.63% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ECF and IVV share 15 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECF or IVV?
ECF has an expense ratio of 1.16% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECF or IVV?
Over the past year ECF returned +21.36% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), ECF annualized +8.28% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECF or IVV?
ECF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ECF -83.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ECF and IVV?
ECF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECF and IVV?
ECF and IVV share 15 common holdings with a 7.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECF or IVV?
ECF yields 3.63% while IVV yields 1.09%, so ECF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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