IVV vs MMSC
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MMSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MMSC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $54M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 211 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +16.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.14% | +29.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +21.56% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.00% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 21.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -40.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 13, 2021 |
IVV vs MMSC Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% while MMSC returned +29.00%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.76% versus a gain of 16.49% for MMSC.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.69% per year against +21.56% for MMSC. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.99% annualized vs +6.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MMSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.5% 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 -40.8% for MMSC. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MMSC charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for MMSC.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MMSC share 3 holdings out of 710 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MMSC?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MMSC charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MMSC?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% vs +29.00% for MMSC, so MMSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.99% vs +6.94% for MMSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MMSC?
MMSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MMSC -40.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and MMSC?
IVV and MMSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MMSC?
IVV and MMSC share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 710 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MMSC?
IVV yields 1.10% while MMSC yields 0.00%, 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.