IVV vs MEAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active 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 | MEAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.26% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.84% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 346 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | -0.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +0.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +2.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +2.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 3, 2015 |
IVV vs MEAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF (MEAR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while MEAR returned +0.69%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a loss of 0.20% for MEAR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +2.85% for MEAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +2.11% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +1.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.5% for MEAR. 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 -14.4% for MEAR. 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEAR charges 0.26%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $26 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.84% for MEAR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEAR share 0 holdings out of 580 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 MEAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEAR charges 0.26%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MEAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +0.69% for MEAR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +1.52% for MEAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEAR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.5% for MEAR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEAR -14.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEAR?
IVV and MEAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEAR?
IVV and MEAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEAR?
IVV yields 1.09% while MEAR yields 2.84%, so MEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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