FXB vs IVV
Invesco CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust 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 | FXB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $64M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +1.30% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.31% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.80% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.37% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FXB vs IVV Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust (FXB) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FXB returned +1.31% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, FXB is up 1.30% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, FXB compounded at +4.80% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +1.37% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -1.20%. 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 8.6% for FXB. 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 -51.3% for FXB 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXB charges 0.40% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXB currently yields 2.22% against 1.09% for IVV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXB or IVV?
FXB has an expense ratio of 0.40% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXB or IVV?
Over the past year FXB returned +1.31% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FXB annualized -1.20% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXB or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.6% for FXB. Worst drawdown: FXB -51.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FXB and IVV?
FXB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXB or IVV?
FXB yields 2.22% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FXB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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