EZA vs IVV
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. EZA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EZA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $559M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.88% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +3.50% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.69% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.60% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.09% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2003 | May 15, 2000 |
EZA vs IVV Performance
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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 EZA returned +33.69% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, EZA is up 3.50% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, EZA compounded at +28.60% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.09% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +6.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -68.2% for EZA 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZA charges 0.59% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZA currently yields 7.88% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
EZA and IVV share 1 holdings out of 532 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 EZA | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.04% | 0.15% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EZA or IVV?
EZA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EZA or IVV?
Over the past year EZA returned +33.69% vs +21.62% for IVV, so EZA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), EZA annualized +6.67% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZA or IVV?
EZA has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: EZA -68.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both EZA and IVV?
EZA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZA and IVV?
EZA and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZA or IVV?
EZA yields 7.88% while IVV yields 1.10%, so EZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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