IVV vs JOF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. JOF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | JOF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.47% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $240M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 15.82% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +18.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +31.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +27.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 26.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -70.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 21, 1990 |
IVV vs JOF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc (JOF) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while JOF returned +31.64%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 18.54% for JOF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +27.53% for JOF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +12.44% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +1.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JOF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -70.0% for JOF. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while JOF charges 1.47%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $147 annually, a gap of $144 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 15.82% for JOF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and JOF share 0 holdings out of 596 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 JOF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while JOF charges 1.47%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $144 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or JOF?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +31.64% for JOF, so JOF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +1.85% for JOF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or JOF?
JOF has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs JOF -70.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and JOF?
IVV and JOF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and JOF?
IVV and JOF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or JOF?
IVV yields 1.09% while JOF yields 15.82%, so JOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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