IVV vs MFDX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFDX offers more diversification with 1,300 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MFDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $471M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.88% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 1,300 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +12.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +21.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +10.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 31, 2017 |
IVV vs MFDX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while MFDX returned +21.27%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 12.33% for MFDX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against +19.53% for MFDX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +10.71% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, MFDX has the edge at +8.19% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 14.9% for MFDX. 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 -39.1% for MFDX. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MFDX charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.88% for MFDX.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MFDX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MFDX charges 0.39%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MFDX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +21.27% for MFDX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +8.19% for MFDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MFDX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for MFDX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MFDX -39.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and MFDX?
IVV and MFDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MFDX?
IVV and MFDX share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1453 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MFDX?
IVV yields 1.10% while MFDX yields 2.88%, so MFDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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