GAST vs IVV
Gabelli Automation ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
GAST has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAST | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.90% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2022 | May 15, 2000 |
GAST vs IVV Performance
Gabelli Automation ETF (GAST) 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 GAST returned +13.10% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, GAST is up 19.90% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, GAST compounded at +15.26% per year against +21.81% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, GAST has the edge at +7.34% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -23.6% for GAST 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAST charges 0.00% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAST currently yields 0.63% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GAST and IVV share 16 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAST or IVV?
GAST has an expense ratio of 0.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. GAST is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAST or IVV?
Over the past year GAST returned +13.10% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GAST annualized +7.34% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAST or IVV?
GAST has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GAST -23.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GAST and IVV?
GAST and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAST and IVV?
GAST and IVV share 16 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAST or IVV?
GAST yields 0.63% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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