IVV vs MAYM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May
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 | MAYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +3.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +5.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 1.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 16, 2025 |
IVV vs MAYM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while MAYM returned +5.30%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 3.01% for MAYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.6% for MAYM. 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 -1.2% for MAYM. 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 0.94. 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 MAYM 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 1.09% against 0.00% for MAYM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MAYM 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 MAYM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MAYM 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 MAYM?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +5.30% for MAYM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +5.85% for MAYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MAYM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.6% for MAYM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MAYM -1.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MAYM?
IVV and MAYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 MAYM?
IVV and MAYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MAYM?
IVV yields 1.09% while MAYM yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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