EFAV vs IVV
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor 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 | EFAV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.88% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.77% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.47% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | May 15, 2000 |
EFAV vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, EFAV is up 7.88% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, EFAV compounded at +14.47% per year against +21.47% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EFAV has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +7.03%. 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 11.2% for EFAV. 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 -38.3% for EFAV 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAV charges 0.20% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAV currently yields 3.26% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EFAV and IVV share 3 holdings out of 752 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAV or IVV?
EFAV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAV or IVV?
Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% vs +22.61% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFAV annualized +7.11% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAV or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.2% for EFAV. Worst drawdown: EFAV -38.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EFAV and IVV?
EFAV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAV and IVV?
EFAV and IVV share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 752 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAV or IVV?
EFAV yields 3.26% while IVV yields 1.09%, so EFAV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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