IVV vs KSA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF
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 | KSA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $625M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 124 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +4.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +3.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +0.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +0.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -65.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 16, 2015 |
IVV vs KSA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while KSA returned +3.63%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 4.40% for KSA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +0.38% for KSA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +0.89% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -65.5% for KSA. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KSA charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $75 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.77% for KSA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KSA share 1 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in KSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 0.09% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KSA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KSA charges 0.75%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or KSA?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +3.63% for KSA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +2.18% for KSA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KSA?
KSA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KSA -65.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and KSA?
IVV and KSA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KSA?
IVV and KSA share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KSA?
IVV yields 1.09% while KSA yields 2.77%, so KSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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