IVV vs OUNZ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Merk Gold ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | OUNZ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +0.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +29.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +31.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +19.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 16, 2014 |
IVV vs OUNZ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while OUNZ returned +29.18%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 0.26% for OUNZ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +31.33% for OUNZ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +19.29% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, OUNZ has the edge at +10.05% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ. 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while OUNZ charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $25 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for OUNZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or OUNZ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while OUNZ charges 0.25%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or OUNZ?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +29.18% for OUNZ, so OUNZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +10.05% for OUNZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or OUNZ?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs OUNZ -26.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and OUNZ?
IVV and OUNZ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or OUNZ?
IVV yields 1.09% while OUNZ 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.