GSG vs IVV
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, GSG or IVV?
Commodities against Large Cap Blend.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GSG led over 1Y and 5Y, IVV over 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | IVV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.0B | $876.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 23 | 508 |
| YTD Return | +57.39%Best | +12.39% |
| 1Y Return | +58.70%Best | +16.61% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.72% | +21.38%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.70%Best | +13.51% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -51.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $22,588Best | $18,844 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Commodities | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 22, 2008 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.3 years).
GSG vs IVV growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.3 years both funds cover.
GSG vs IVV Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GSG returned +58.70% while IVV returned +16.61%. Year to date, GSG is up 57.39% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +16.72% per year against +21.38% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +17.70% and +13.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +10.20% annualized vs -3.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% compared with 15.7% 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 -89.6% for GSG and -51.6% for IVV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 1.06% for IVV.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GSG and IVV you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSG or IVV?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GSG or IVV?
Over the past year GSG returned +58.70% vs +16.61% for IVV, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), GSG annualized -3.50% vs +10.20% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GSG or IVV?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.7% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs IVV -51.6%.
Should I hold both GSG and IVV?
GSG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or IVV?
GSG yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.06%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is IVV better than GSG?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GSG led over 1Y and 5Y, IVV over 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.