IVV vs MEDX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MEDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MEDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $17M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.17% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +32.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +11.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -21.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Horizon Kinetics LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 27, 2023 |
IVV vs MEDX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Horizon Kinetics Medical ETF (MEDX) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while MEDX returned +32.51%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 13.12% for MEDX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +11.12% for MEDX. Across the full 4-year window we track, MEDX has the edge at +8.50% annualized vs +7.00%. 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 14.7% for MEDX. 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 -21.6% for MEDX. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEDX 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 1.17% for MEDX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEDX share 11 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MEDX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEDX 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 MEDX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +32.51% for MEDX, so MEDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +8.50% for MEDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEDX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.7% for MEDX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEDX -21.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEDX?
IVV and MEDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEDX?
IVV and MEDX share 11 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEDX?
IVV yields 1.10% while MEDX yields 1.17%, so MEDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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