GLU vs IVV
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income 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 | GLU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $145M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.26% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 272 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.32% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2004 | May 15, 2000 |
GLU vs IVV Performance
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (GLU) 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 GLU returned +13.32% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, GLU is up 1.53% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, GLU compounded at +18.60% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +4.56% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -64.9% for GLU 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLU charges 1.40% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLU currently yields 6.26% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GLU and IVV share 60 holdings out of 702 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLU or IVV?
GLU has an expense ratio of 1.40% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLU or IVV?
Over the past year GLU returned +13.32% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), GLU annualized +1.54% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLU or IVV?
GLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GLU -64.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GLU and IVV?
GLU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GLU and IVV?
GLU and IVV share 60 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 702 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLU or IVV?
GLU yields 6.26% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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