IVV vs MLPA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Global X MLP ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MLPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MLPA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.77% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $2.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 6.96% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +22.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +23.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +17.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +19.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 26.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -86.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 18, 2012 |
IVV vs MLPA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while MLPA returned +23.10%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 22.52% for MLPA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +17.83% for MLPA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +19.95% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -0.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -86.2% for MLPA. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MLPA charges 0.77%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $77 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 6.96% for MLPA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MLPA share 1 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in MLPA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 0.09% | 0.00% | 0.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MLPA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MLPA charges 0.77%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MLPA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +23.10% for MLPA, so MLPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -0.34% for MLPA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MLPA?
MLPA has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MLPA -86.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and MLPA?
IVV and MLPA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MLPA?
IVV and MLPA share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MLPA?
IVV yields 1.10% while MLPA yields 6.96%, so MLPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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