Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. JSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: JSMLMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIVVJSMLWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.30%
AUM$865.2B$322M
Dividend Yield1.09%0.86%
Holdings508122
YTD Return+13.80%+25.22%
1Y Return+23.70%+35.26%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.49%+18.76%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.43%+6.92%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%23.0%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-39.6%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Janus Henderson Investors
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 15, 2000Feb 23, 2016

IVV vs JSML Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSML) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while JSML returned +35.26%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 25.22% for JSML.

Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +18.76% for JSML; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +6.92% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, JSML has the edge at +13.70% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

JSML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -39.6% for JSML. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IVV charges 0.03% per year while JSML charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $30 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.86% for JSML.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IVV and JSML share 0 holdings out of 626 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 JSML?

IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while JSML charges 0.30%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IVV or JSML?

Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +35.26% for JSML, so JSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +13.70% for JSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IVV or JSML?

JSML has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs JSML -39.6%.

Should I hold both IVV and JSML?

IVV and JSML have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IVV and JSML?

IVV and JSML share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or JSML?

IVV yields 1.09% while JSML yields 0.86%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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