IG vs IVV
Principal Investment Grade Corporate 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 | IG | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $198M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -1.54% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.84% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.69% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | May 15, 2000 |
IG vs IVV Performance
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is a ETF from Principal Funds and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IG returned +0.84% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, IG is down 1.54% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, IG compounded at +4.56% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -0.69% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +0.59%. 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 8.0% for IG. 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 -23.8% for IG 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IG charges 0.19% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IG currently yields 5.07% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IG and IVV share 0 holdings out of 650 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IG or IVV?
IG has an expense ratio of 0.19% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IG or IVV?
Over the past year IG returned +0.84% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IG annualized +0.59% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IG or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: IG -23.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IG and IVV?
IG and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IG and IVV?
IG and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IG or IVV?
IG yields 5.07% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.