IVV vs KOKU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. KOKU offers more diversification with 1,144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | KOKU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $819M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.43% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 1,144 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +12.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +21.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +21.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +11.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 7, 2020 |
IVV vs KOKU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while KOKU returned +21.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 12.69% for KOKU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +21.59% for KOKU; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KOKU has the edge at +18.15% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -25.8% for KOKU. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KOKU charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.43% for KOKU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KOKU share 442 holdings out of 1172 unique holdings combined, representing a 72.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KOKU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KOKU charges 0.09%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KOKU?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +21.75% for KOKU, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +18.15% for KOKU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KOKU?
KOKU has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KOKU -25.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and KOKU?
IVV and KOKU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KOKU?
IVV and KOKU share 442 common holdings with a 72.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KOKU?
IVV yields 1.10% while KOKU yields 1.43%, so KOKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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