IVV vs KMAY
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - May
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 | KMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $51M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +8.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +14.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -2.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 1, 2025 |
IVV vs KMAY Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Small Cap Power Buffer ETF - May (KMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while KMAY returned +14.43%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 8.45% for KMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.4% for KMAY. 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 -2.4% for KMAY. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KMAY 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 KMAY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KMAY?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KMAY 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 KMAY?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +14.43% for KMAY, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +18.10% for KMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KMAY?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for KMAY. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KMAY -2.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and KMAY?
IVV and KMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KMAY?
IVV yields 1.09% while KMAY yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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