IDEF vs IVV
iShares Defense Industrials Active 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 | IDEF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 131 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.63% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
IDEF vs IVV Performance
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) 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 IDEF returned +19.63% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, IDEF is up 10.63% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -15.8% for IDEF 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDEF charges 0.55% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEF currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IDEF and IVV share 18 holdings out of 603 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEF or IVV?
IDEF has an expense ratio of 0.55% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEF or IVV?
Over the past year IDEF returned +19.63% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IDEF annualized +31.83% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEF or IVV?
IDEF has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IDEF -15.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDEF and IVV?
IDEF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDEF and IVV?
IDEF and IVV share 18 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEF or IVV?
IDEF yields 0.34% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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