GMAY vs IVV
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GMAY | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $545M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.56% | +14.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.31% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.12% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
GMAY vs IVV Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May (GMAY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GMAY returned +10.31% while IVV returned +21.79%. Year to date, GMAY is up 6.56% versus a gain of 14.29% for IVV.
Over three years, GMAY compounded at +12.12% per year against +22.19% for IVV. Across the full 3-year window we track, GMAY has the edge at +12.34% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 6.1% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAY charges 0.85% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GMAY and IVV share 0 holdings out of 506 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, GMAY or IVV?
GMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GMAY or IVV?
Over the past year GMAY returned +10.31% vs +21.79% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GMAY annualized +12.34% vs +7.06% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMAY or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.1% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: GMAY -11.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GMAY and IVV?
GMAY and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GMAY and IVV?
GMAY and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMAY or IVV?
GMAY yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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