IVV vs MARM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March
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 | MARM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $110M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +4.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +6.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -2.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 26, 2024 |
IVV vs MARM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while MARM returned +6.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 4.16% for MARM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.0% for MARM. 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 -2.7% for MARM. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MARM charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for MARM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MARM share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MARM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MARM charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MARM?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +6.44% for MARM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +7.23% for MARM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MARM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.0% for MARM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MARM -2.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and MARM?
IVV and MARM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MARM?
IVV and MARM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MARM?
IVV yields 1.10% while MARM yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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