IVV vs LSAF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. LSAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LSAF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $123M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.60% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +22.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +32.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +20.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +11.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -41.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | LeaderShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 1, 2018 |
IVV vs LSAF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) is a ETF from LeaderShares. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while LSAF returned +32.47%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 22.94% for LSAF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +20.20% for LSAF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +11.41% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, LSAF has the edge at +11.48% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LSAF 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 -41.7% for LSAF. 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 0.90. 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 LSAF 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 0.60% for LSAF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LSAF share 52 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LSAF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LSAF 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 LSAF?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +32.47% for LSAF, so LSAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +11.48% for LSAF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LSAF?
LSAF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LSAF -41.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and LSAF?
IVV and LSAF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 LSAF?
IVV and LSAF share 52 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LSAF?
IVV yields 1.09% while LSAF yields 0.60%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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