IVV vs KAUG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | KAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $59M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +9.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +17.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 31, 2024 |
IVV vs KAUG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - August (KAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while KAUG returned +17.74%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 9.46% for KAUG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.1% for KAUG. 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 -15.7% for KAUG. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KAUG charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for KAUG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KAUG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KAUG charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KAUG?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +17.74% for KAUG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +9.10% for KAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KAUG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.1% for KAUG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KAUG -15.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and KAUG?
IVV and KAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KAUG?
IVV yields 1.09% while KAUG yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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