IUSB vs IVV
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IUSB offers more diversification with 17,578 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IUSB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43.5B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 17,578 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +0.24% | +12.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.58% | +20.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.92% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.13% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
IUSB vs IVV Performance
iShares Core Universal USD Bond ETF (IUSB) 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 IUSB returned +2.58% while IVV returned +20.24%. Year to date, IUSB is up 0.24% versus a gain of 12.39% for IVV.
Over three years, IUSB compounded at +4.92% per year against +21.78% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +0.13% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.71%. 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 4.8% for IUSB. 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 -50.2% for IUSB 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IUSB charges 0.06% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IUSB currently yields 4.26% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
IUSB and IVV share 4 holdings out of 9820 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, IUSB or IVV?
IUSB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IUSB or IVV?
Over the past year IUSB returned +2.58% vs +20.24% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IUSB annualized +0.71% vs +6.98% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IUSB or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.8% for IUSB. Worst drawdown: IUSB -50.2% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both IUSB and IVV?
IUSB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IUSB and IVV?
IUSB and IVV share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9820 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IUSB or IVV?
IUSB yields 4.26% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IUSB 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.