IVV vs LCAP
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. LCAP delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LCAP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.09% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 58 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +14.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +24.60% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 25, 2025 |
IVV vs LCAP Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while LCAP returned +24.60%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 14.45% for LCAP.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.8% for LCAP. 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 -11.3% for LCAP. 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 0.97. 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 LCAP charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $29 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.09% for LCAP.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LCAP share 44 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LCAP?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LCAP charges 0.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LCAP?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +24.60% for LCAP, so LCAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +25.19% for LCAP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LCAP?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.8% for LCAP. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LCAP -11.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and LCAP?
IVV and LCAP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 LCAP?
IVV and LCAP share 44 common holdings with a 46.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LCAP?
IVV yields 1.09% while LCAP yields 0.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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