IAK vs IVV
iShares US Insurance ETF 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 | IAK | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $514M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +9.97% | +13.43% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.42% | +22.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.45% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
IAK vs IVV Performance
iShares US Insurance ETF (IAK) 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 IAK returned +15.42% while IVV returned +22.61%. Year to date, IAK is up 9.97% versus a gain of 13.43% for IVV.
Over three years, IAK compounded at +19.24% per year against +21.47% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +14.45% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +5.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -78.0% for IAK 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAK charges 0.38% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAK currently yields 2.54% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IAK and IVV share 4 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IAK or IVV?
IAK has an expense ratio of 0.38% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAK or IVV?
Over the past year IAK returned +15.42% vs +22.61% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IAK annualized +5.94% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAK or IVV?
IAK has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IAK -78.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IAK and IVV?
IAK and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IAK and IVV?
IAK and IVV share 4 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAK or IVV?
IAK yields 2.54% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IAK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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