IVV vs IWS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWS offers more diversification with 724 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | IWS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.23% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $16.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.30% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 724 | |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +21.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +25.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +18.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.84% | +9.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -63.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 17, 2001 |
IVV vs IWS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.24% while IWS returned +25.05%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 21.21% for IWS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.78% per year against +18.57% for IWS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.84% and +9.78% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IWS has the edge at +8.29% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -63.9% for IWS. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while IWS charges 0.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $23 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.30% for IWS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and IWS share 274 holdings out of 929 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or IWS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while IWS charges 0.23%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or IWS?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.24% vs +25.05% for IWS, so IWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +8.29% for IWS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or IWS?
IWS has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs IWS -63.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and IWS?
IVV and IWS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and IWS?
IVV and IWS share 274 common holdings with a 11.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 929 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or IWS?
IVV yields 1.10% while IWS yields 1.30%, so IWS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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