ICLN vs IVV

Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. ICLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: ICLNMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricICLNIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.03%
AUM$2.3B$865.2B
Dividend Yield0.90%1.09%
Holdings152508
YTD Return+7.95%+13.72%
1Y Return+35.10%+21.64%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.94%+21.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-2.72%+13.27%
Volatility (annualized)30.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-88.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 24, 2008May 15, 2000

ICLN vs IVV Performance

iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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 ICLN returned +35.10% while IVV returned +21.64%. Year to date, ICLN is up 7.95% versus a gain of 13.72% for IVV.

Over three years, ICLN compounded at +4.94% per year against +21.55% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -2.72% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -5.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ICLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.9% 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 -88.3% for ICLN 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ICLN charges 0.39% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICLN currently yields 0.90% against 1.09% for IVV.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

ICLN and IVV share 2 holdings out of 608 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ICLNWeight in IVVDifference
FSLR8.47%0.03%8.44%
XTSLA1.25%0.15%1.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ICLN or IVV?

ICLN has an expense ratio of 0.39% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ICLN or IVV?

Over the past year ICLN returned +35.10% vs +21.64% for IVV, so ICLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ICLN annualized -5.21% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ICLN or IVV?

ICLN has been the more volatile fund at 30.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ICLN -88.3% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both ICLN and IVV?

ICLN and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ICLN and IVV?

ICLN and IVV share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ICLN or IVV?

ICLN yields 0.90% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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