IVV vs IYR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares US Real Estate 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 | IVV | IYR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.37% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $4.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.14% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 65 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +12.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +11.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +11.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +2.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -76.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 12, 2000 |
IVV vs IYR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares US Real Estate ETF (IYR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while IYR returned +11.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 12.34% for IYR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +11.17% for IYR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +2.16% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -76.5% for IYR. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while IYR charges 0.37%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $37 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.14% for IYR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and IYR share 32 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or IYR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while IYR charges 0.37%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or IYR?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +11.22% for IYR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +4.83% for IYR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or IYR?
IYR has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs IYR -76.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and IYR?
IVV and IYR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and IYR?
IVV and IYR share 32 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or IYR?
IVV yields 1.10% while IYR yields 2.14%, so IYR 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.