IVV vs KNO
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | KNO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.84% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $44M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.85% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 78 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +25.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +29.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 7, 2015 |
IVV vs KNO Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while KNO returned +29.98%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 25.39% for KNO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.9% for KNO. 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 -15.5% for KNO. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KNO charges 0.84%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $84 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.85% for KNO.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KNO share 8 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KNO?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KNO charges 0.84%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KNO?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +29.98% for KNO, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +21.77% for KNO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KNO?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for KNO. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KNO -15.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and KNO?
IVV and KNO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KNO?
IVV and KNO share 8 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KNO?
IVV yields 1.09% while KNO yields 0.85%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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