GSG vs IVV
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $941M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +46.77% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.76% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.06% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
GSG vs IVV Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GSG returned +50.76% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, GSG is up 46.77% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +17.00% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +17.06% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs -3.88%. 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 15.1% 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and IVV share 0 holdings out of 508 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, GSG or IVV?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or IVV?
Over the past year GSG returned +50.76% vs +21.89% for IVV, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), GSG annualized -3.88% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or IVV?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GSG and IVV?
GSG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and IVV?
GSG and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or IVV?
GSG yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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