IVV vs MAXJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun 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 | MAXJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $154M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.74% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +4.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +6.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 28, 2024 |
IVV vs MAXJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while MAXJ returned +6.43%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 4.45% for MAXJ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.3% for MAXJ. 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 -6.3% for MAXJ. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MAXJ charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.74% for MAXJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MAXJ share 0 holdings out of 507 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 MAXJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MAXJ charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MAXJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +6.43% for MAXJ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +8.12% for MAXJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MAXJ?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.3% for MAXJ. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MAXJ -6.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and MAXJ?
IVV and MAXJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MAXJ?
IVV and MAXJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MAXJ?
IVV yields 1.09% while MAXJ yields 0.74%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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