GAL vs IVV
State Street Global Allocation 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 | GAL | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $303M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +9.47% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.23% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.81% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.99% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | May 15, 2000 |
GAL vs IVV Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GAL returned +16.23% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.47% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +13.81% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.99% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.65%. 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 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAL charges 0.35% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.21% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and IVV share 0 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAL or IVV?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or IVV?
Over the past year GAL returned +16.23% vs +21.64% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.65% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GAL and IVV?
GAL and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 GAL and IVV?
GAL and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or IVV?
GAL yields 3.21% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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