IVV vs KONG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Formidable Fortress 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 | KONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $886.7B | $23M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.35% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 61 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +7.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +7.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.07% | +8.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.62% | +5.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -20.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Formidable Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 21, 2021 |
IVV vs KONG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Formidable Fortress ETF (KONG) is a ETF from Formidable Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +20.92% while KONG returned +7.92%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.64% versus a gain of 7.42% for KONG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.07% per year against +8.96% for KONG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.62% and +5.26% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +5.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.3% for KONG. 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 -20.0% for KONG. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KONG charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $89 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.35% for KONG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KONG share 28 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KONG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KONG charges 0.89%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KONG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.92% vs +7.92% for KONG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +5.82% for KONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KONG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.3% for KONG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KONG -20.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and KONG?
IVV and KONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KONG?
IVV and KONG share 28 common holdings with a 16.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KONG?
IVV yields 1.10% while KONG yields 0.35%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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