GUG vs IVV
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUG offers more diversification with 777 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $539M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +5.71% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.23% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | May 15, 2000 |
GUG vs IVV Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year GUG returned +7.23% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, GUG is up 5.71% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +12.89% per year against +21.80% for IVV. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $3 annually, a gap of $219 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.61% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
GUG and IVV share 40 holdings out of 1242 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUG or IVV?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $219 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or IVV?
Over the past year GUG returned +7.23% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.55% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or IVV?
GUG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both GUG and IVV?
GUG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and IVV?
GUG and IVV share 40 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1242 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or IVV?
GUG yields 8.61% while IVV yields 1.09%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.