IVV vs JAPN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator 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 | JAPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.24% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -1.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | -10.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Horizon Kinetics LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 12, 2025 |
IVV vs JAPN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while JAPN returned -10.89%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 1.10% for JAPN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JAPN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -23.9% for JAPN. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while JAPN charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.24% for JAPN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and JAPN share 0 holdings out of 538 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, IVV or JAPN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while JAPN charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or JAPN?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs -10.89% for JAPN, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +1.51% for JAPN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or JAPN?
JAPN has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs JAPN -23.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and JAPN?
IVV and JAPN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and JAPN?
IVV and JAPN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or JAPN?
IVV yields 1.10% while JAPN yields 0.24%, so IVV 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.