GRX vs IVV
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX 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 | GRX | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $226M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.82% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.28% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.06% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.50% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
GRX vs IVV Performance
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust (GRX) 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 GRX returned +18.28% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, GRX is up 6.82% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, GRX compounded at +7.06% per year against +21.47% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +0.50% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +3.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -65.0% for GRX 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRX charges 3.00% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $3 annually, a gap of $297 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRX currently yields 6.46% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GRX and IVV share 46 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRX or IVV?
GRX has an expense ratio of 3.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $297 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRX or IVV?
Over the past year GRX returned +18.28% vs +22.61% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GRX annualized +3.06% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRX or IVV?
GRX has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GRX -65.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GRX and IVV?
GRX and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRX and IVV?
GRX and IVV share 46 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRX or IVV?
GRX yields 6.46% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GRX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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