IVV vs LEAD
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend 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 | LEAD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.43% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $72M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 54 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +11.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +19.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +15.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +11.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -32.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | SRN Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 6, 2016 |
IVV vs LEAD Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) is a ETF from SRN Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while LEAD returned +19.19%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 11.78% for LEAD.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +15.43% for LEAD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +11.00% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, LEAD has the edge at +13.67% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -32.2% for LEAD. 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 0.93. 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 LEAD charges 0.43%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $43 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.55% for LEAD.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LEAD share 49 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LEAD?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LEAD charges 0.43%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LEAD?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +19.19% for LEAD, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +13.67% for LEAD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LEAD?
LEAD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LEAD -32.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and LEAD?
IVV and LEAD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 LEAD?
IVV and LEAD share 49 common holdings with a 21.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LEAD?
IVV yields 1.09% while LEAD yields 0.55%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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