IVV vs MFEM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF
Which is better, IVV or MFEM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, MFEM over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MFEM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.49% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $159M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.18% |
| Holdings | 508 | 701 |
| YTD Return | +11.57% | +24.20%Best |
| 1Y Return | +17.57% | +32.88%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71%Best | +20.44% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80%Best | +8.49% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2%Best | 17.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9%Best | -45.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,262Best | $15,030 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 31, 2017 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 6, 2017 to Sep 10, 2026 (9 years).
IVV vs MFEM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9 years both funds cover.
IVV vs MFEM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is an ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while MFEM returned +32.88%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.57% versus a gain of 24.20% for MFEM.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.71% per year against +20.44% for MFEM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and +8.49% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +14.20% annualized vs +7.03%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 16.2% for IVV. 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 -33.9% for IVV and -45.3% for MFEM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MFEM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 2.18% for MFEM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 503 in MFEM, totalling 100.0% and 79.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 503 in MFEM, against full books of 508 and 701.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and MFEM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MFEM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MFEM charges 0.49%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $46 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or MFEM?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs +32.88% for MFEM, so MFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +14.20% vs +7.03% for MFEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or MFEM?
MFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 16.2% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -33.9% vs MFEM -45.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and MFEM?
IVV and MFEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MFEM?
IVV yields 1.06% while MFEM yields 2.18%, so MFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is MFEM better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, MFEM over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.