IVV vs KWT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares MSCI Kuwait 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 | KWT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.74% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $68M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 5.58% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 41 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -3.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | -2.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +9.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +7.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 1, 2020 |
IVV vs KWT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF (KWT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while KWT returned -2.27%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 3.10% for KWT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +9.58% for KWT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +7.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KWT has the edge at +11.68% annualized vs +6.98%. 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 13.7% for KWT. 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 -24.4% for KWT. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while KWT 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 5.58% for KWT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and KWT share 1 holdings out of 540 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 KWT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 0.08% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or KWT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while KWT 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 KWT?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs -2.27% for KWT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +11.68% for KWT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or KWT?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.7% for KWT. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs KWT -24.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and KWT?
IVV and KWT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and KWT?
IVV and KWT share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or KWT?
IVV yields 1.10% while KWT yields 5.58%, so KWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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