IEF vs IVV
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond 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 | IEF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43.3B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.94% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.72% | +13.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.92% | +20.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.91% | +21.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.34% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2002 | May 15, 2000 |
IEF vs IVV Performance
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) 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 IEF returned +0.92% while IVV returned +20.65%. Year to date, IEF is down 0.72% versus a gain of 13.51% for IVV.
Over three years, IEF compounded at +3.91% per year against +21.94% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -1.34% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 24-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +3.35%. 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 6.6% for IEF. 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 -23.9% for IEF 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEF charges 0.15% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEF currently yields 3.94% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IEF and IVV share 1 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IEF | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.35% | 0.15% | 0.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEF or IVV?
IEF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEF or IVV?
Over the past year IEF returned +0.92% vs +20.65% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (24 years), IEF annualized +3.35% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.6% for IEF. Worst drawdown: IEF -23.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IEF and IVV?
IEF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEF and IVV?
IEF and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEF or IVV?
IEF yields 3.94% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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