IGOV vs IVV
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGOV offers more diversification with 970 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGOV | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 970 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.34% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.30% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.21% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2009 | May 15, 2000 |
IGOV vs IVV Performance
iShares International Treasury Bond ETF (IGOV) 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 IGOV returned -0.30% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, IGOV is down 0.34% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, IGOV compounded at +3.29% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are -4.21% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.11%. 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 8.8% for IGOV. 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 -35.9% for IGOV 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGOV charges 0.35% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGOV currently yields 1.43% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IGOV and IVV share 1 holdings out of 540 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 IGOV | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.05% | 0.15% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGOV or IVV?
IGOV has an expense ratio of 0.35% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGOV or IVV?
Over the past year IGOV returned -0.30% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), IGOV annualized +0.11% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGOV or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.8% for IGOV. Worst drawdown: IGOV -35.9% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGOV and IVV?
IGOV and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGOV and IVV?
IGOV and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGOV or IVV?
IGOV yields 1.43% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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