IVV vs MRGR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Merger ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MRGR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.26% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 50 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +2.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +7.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +7.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +3.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 11, 2012 |
IVV vs MRGR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Merger ETF (MRGR) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while MRGR returned +7.78%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 2.13% for MRGR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +7.39% for MRGR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +3.72% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.3% for MRGR. 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 -22.5% for MRGR. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MRGR charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $75 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.26% for MRGR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MRGR share 6 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MRGR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MRGR charges 0.75%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MRGR?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +7.78% for MRGR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +2.00% for MRGR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MRGR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.3% for MRGR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MRGR -22.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and MRGR?
IVV and MRGR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MRGR?
IVV and MRGR share 6 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MRGR?
IVV yields 1.09% while MRGR yields 1.26%, so MRGR 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.