EQL vs IVV
ALPS Equal Sector Weight 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 | EQL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $758M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.48% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.77% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
EQL vs IVV Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year EQL returned +19.48% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.01% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +15.77% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.91% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +7.05%. 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 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.27% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $3 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.76% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and IVV share 414 holdings out of 586 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or IVV?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.27% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or IVV?
Over the past year EQL returned +19.48% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EQL annualized +12.09% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EQL and IVV?
EQL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and IVV?
EQL and IVV share 414 common holdings with a 61.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or IVV?
EQL yields 1.76% while IVV yields 1.09%, so EQL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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