GAB vs IVV
Gabelli Equity Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. GAB offers more diversification with 655 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.10% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 682 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.67% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.35% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.21% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 21, 1986 | May 15, 2000 |
GAB vs IVV Performance
Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB) 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 GAB returned +8.35% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, GAB is up 0.67% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, GAB compounded at +13.27% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +7.21% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -83.0% for GAB 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAB charges 1.50% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $3 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAB currently yields 10.10% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GAB and IVV share 198 holdings out of 962 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAB or IVV?
GAB has an expense ratio of 1.50% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAB or IVV?
Over the past year GAB returned +8.35% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), GAB annualized +0.58% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAB or IVV?
GAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GAB -83.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GAB and IVV?
GAB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAB and IVV?
GAB and IVV share 198 common holdings with a 19.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 962 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAB or IVV?
GAB yields 10.10% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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