ISMF vs IVV
iShares Managed Futures 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 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMF | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $61M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.42% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.59% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
ISMF vs IVV Performance
iShares Managed Futures Active ETF (ISMF) 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 ISMF returned +18.59% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, ISMF is up 6.42% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.2% for ISMF. 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 -4.2% for ISMF 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMF charges 0.80% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMF currently yields 2.58% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ISMF and IVV share 1 holdings out of 505 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 ISMF | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 1.47% | 0.15% | 1.32% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISMF or IVV?
ISMF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMF or IVV?
Over the past year ISMF returned +18.59% vs +20.94% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ISMF annualized +13.44% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMF or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for ISMF. Worst drawdown: ISMF -4.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISMF and IVV?
ISMF and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMF and IVV?
ISMF and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMF or IVV?
ISMF yields 2.58% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ISMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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