HEEM vs IVV
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. HEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEEM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $276M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,327 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +18.32% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.74% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.14% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.33% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
HEEM vs IVV Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (HEEM) 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 HEEM returned +34.74% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, HEEM is up 18.32% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.
Over three years, HEEM compounded at +22.14% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.33% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, HEEM has the edge at +7.77% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.2% for HEEM. 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 -33.5% for HEEM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEEM charges 0.72% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $3 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEEM currently yields 1.75% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
HEEM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 534 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, HEEM or IVV?
HEEM has an expense ratio of 0.72% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEEM or IVV?
Over the past year HEEM returned +34.74% vs +21.64% for IVV, so HEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HEEM annualized +7.77% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEEM or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.2% for HEEM. Worst drawdown: HEEM -33.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both HEEM and IVV?
HEEM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEEM and IVV?
HEEM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEEM or IVV?
HEEM yields 1.75% while IVV yields 1.09%, so HEEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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