IVV vs NIKL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $51M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.11% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | -13.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +17.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | -2.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 32.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -59.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 21, 2023 |
IVV vs NIKL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while NIKL returned +17.82%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a loss of 13.30% for NIKL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against -2.44% for NIKL. Across the full 3-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -2.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% 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 -59.0% for NIKL. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NIKL 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 3.11% for NIKL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NIKL share 0 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NIKL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NIKL 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 NIKL?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +17.82% for NIKL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs -2.61% for NIKL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NIKL?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NIKL -59.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and NIKL?
IVV and NIKL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NIKL?
IVV and NIKL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NIKL?
IVV yields 1.09% while NIKL yields 3.11%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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