IVV vs MISL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MISL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MISL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $750M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.34% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 39 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +7.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +23.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +27.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -17.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 25, 2022 |
IVV vs MISL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while MISL returned +23.98%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 7.07% for MISL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +27.24% for MISL. Across the full 4-year window we track, MISL has the edge at +25.26% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MISL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -17.9% for MISL. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MISL charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.34% for MISL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MISL share 13 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MISL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MISL charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MISL?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +23.98% for MISL, so MISL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +25.26% for MISL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MISL?
MISL has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MISL -17.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and MISL?
IVV and MISL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MISL?
IVV and MISL share 13 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MISL?
IVV yields 1.09% while MISL yields 0.34%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.