ITA vs IVV
iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. ITA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14.9B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.91% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.19% | +21.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.16% | +22.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +12.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
ITA vs IVV Performance
iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) 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 ITA returned +22.19% while IVV returned +21.89%. Year to date, ITA is up 6.91% versus a gain of 12.71% for IVV.
Over three years, ITA compounded at +28.16% per year against +22.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +18.54% and +12.96% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ITA has the edge at +12.69% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -59.7% for ITA 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITA charges 0.37% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $3 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITA currently yields 0.43% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
ITA and IVV share 13 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ITA or IVV?
ITA has an expense ratio of 0.37% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITA or IVV?
Over the past year ITA returned +22.19% vs +21.89% for IVV, so ITA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ITA annualized +12.69% vs +7.00% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITA or IVV?
ITA has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: ITA -59.7% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both ITA and IVV?
ITA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ITA and IVV?
ITA and IVV share 13 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITA or IVV?
ITA yields 0.43% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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