IVV vs KNG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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 | KNG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.74% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $3.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 8.28% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 139 | |
| YTD Return | +13.22% | +8.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +9.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.17% | +8.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | +5.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -35.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 26, 2018 |
IVV vs KNG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% while KNG returned +9.46%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.22% versus a gain of 8.20% for KNG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.17% per year against +8.16% for KNG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and +5.52% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, KNG has the edge at +7.47% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -35.1% for KNG. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KNG charges 0.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $74 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 8.28% for KNG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KNG share 68 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KNG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KNG charges 0.74%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KNG?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% vs +9.46% for KNG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +7.47% for KNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KNG?
KNG has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KNG -35.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and KNG?
IVV and KNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KNG?
IVV and KNG share 68 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KNG?
IVV yields 1.10% while KNG yields 8.28%, so KNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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