IVV vs MFUS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MFUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFUS offers more diversification with 884 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MFUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $312M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.38% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 884 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +17.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +24.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -35.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 31, 2017 |
IVV vs MFUS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF (MFUS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while MFUS returned +24.52%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 17.82% for MFUS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +21.54% for MFUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, MFUS has the edge at +12.73% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.1% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -35.2% for MFUS. 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 0.93. 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 MFUS charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $29 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.38% for MFUS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MFUS share 334 holdings out of 964 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MFUS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MFUS charges 0.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MFUS?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +24.52% for MFUS, so MFUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +12.73% for MFUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MFUS?
MFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MFUS -35.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MFUS?
IVV and MFUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 MFUS?
IVV and MFUS share 334 common holdings with a 40.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 964 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MFUS?
IVV yields 1.10% while MFUS yields 1.38%, so MFUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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