IVV vs NFJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. NFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NFJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.96% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 7.46% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 182 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +26.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +34.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +17.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +8.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -70.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 28, 2005 |
IVV vs NFJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NFJ) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while NFJ returned +34.23%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 26.35% for NFJ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +17.90% for NFJ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +8.99% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -70.3% for NFJ. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NFJ charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $96 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 7.46% for NFJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NFJ share 63 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NFJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NFJ charges 0.96%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NFJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +34.23% for NFJ, so NFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs -0.08% for NFJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NFJ?
NFJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NFJ -70.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and NFJ?
IVV and NFJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NFJ?
IVV and NFJ share 63 common holdings with a 20.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NFJ?
IVV yields 1.09% while NFJ yields 7.46%, so NFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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