ISRA vs IVV
VanEck Israel ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $147M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +10.44% | +12.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.74% | +20.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.65% | +21.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.49% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | May 15, 2000 |
ISRA vs IVV Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +32.74% while IVV returned +20.94%. Year to date, ISRA is up 10.44% versus a gain of 12.28% for IVV.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +25.65% per year against +21.81% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ISRA has the edge at +8.77% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.40% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and IVV share 1 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ISRA | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANW | 13.38% | 0.43% | 12.95% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISRA or IVV?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or IVV?
Over the past year ISRA returned +32.74% vs +20.94% for IVV, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.77% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or IVV?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISRA and IVV?
ISRA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and IVV?
ISRA and IVV share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or IVV?
ISRA yields 1.40% while IVV yields 1.10%, so ISRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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