IDU vs IVV
iShares US Utilities 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDU | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +3.25% | +14.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.73% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.32% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | May 15, 2000 |
IDU vs IVV Performance
iShares US Utilities ETF (IDU) 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 IDU returned +3.90% while IVV returned +22.02%. Year to date, IDU is up 3.25% versus a gain of 14.50% for IVV.
Over three years, IDU compounded at +14.73% per year against +21.80% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.32% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.16%. 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 15.0% for IDU. 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 -56.4% for IDU 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDU 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, IDU currently yields 2.19% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IDU and IVV share 34 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDU or IVV?
IDU 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, IDU or IVV?
Over the past year IDU returned +3.90% vs +22.02% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IDU annualized +5.16% vs +7.07% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDU or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for IDU. Worst drawdown: IDU -56.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDU and IVV?
IDU and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDU and IVV?
IDU and IVV share 34 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDU or IVV?
IDU yields 2.19% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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