IVV vs MXI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Global Materials ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MXI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.37% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $355M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.70% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 114 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +17.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +31.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +15.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +8.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -68.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 12, 2006 |
IVV vs MXI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Global Materials ETF (MXI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while MXI returned +31.33%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 17.75% for MXI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +15.87% for MXI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +8.40% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +5.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -68.7% for MXI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MXI charges 0.37%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $37 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.70% for MXI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MXI share 26 holdings out of 572 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MXI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MXI charges 0.37%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MXI?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +31.33% for MXI, so MXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +5.26% for MXI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MXI?
MXI has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MXI -68.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and MXI?
IVV and MXI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MXI?
IVV and MXI share 26 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MXI?
IVV yields 1.10% while MXI yields 1.70%, so MXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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