GCAD vs IVV
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $48M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +12.57% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.35% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.18% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
GCAD vs IVV Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) 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 GCAD returned +27.35% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, GCAD is up 12.57% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +32.18% per year against +22.08% for IVV. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +27.10% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD 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, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and IVV share 15 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or IVV?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or IVV?
Over the past year GCAD returned +27.35% vs +21.89% for IVV, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +27.10% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or IVV?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GCAD and IVV?
GCAD and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and IVV?
GCAD and IVV share 15 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or IVV?
GCAD yields 1.75% while IVV yields 1.10%, so GCAD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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