IVV vs LGH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs HCM Defender 500 Index 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 | LGH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.00% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $565M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.37% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 417 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +7.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +16.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +19.48% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +10.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -29.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Howard Capital Management | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 9, 2019 |
IVV vs LGH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while LGH returned +16.71%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 7.65% for LGH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +19.48% for LGH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +10.07% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, LGH has the edge at +15.72% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -29.6% for LGH. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LGH charges 1.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $100 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.37% for LGH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LGH share 391 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LGH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LGH charges 1.00%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LGH?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +16.71% for LGH, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +15.72% for LGH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LGH?
LGH has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LGH -29.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and LGH?
IVV and LGH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and LGH?
IVV and LGH share 391 common holdings with a 39.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LGH?
IVV yields 1.09% while LGH yields 0.37%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.