IVV vs PAUG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - August
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 | PAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $853M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +8.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +12.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +13.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +9.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -17.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 31, 2019 |
IVV vs PAUG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Equity Power Buffer ETF - August (PAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PAUG returned +12.17%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 8.15% for PAUG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +13.75% for PAUG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +9.60% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, PAUG has the edge at +9.52% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 8.5% for PAUG. 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 -17.9% for PAUG. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PAUG charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for PAUG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PAUG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PAUG charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PAUG?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +12.17% for PAUG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +9.52% for PAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PAUG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.5% for PAUG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PAUG -17.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and PAUG?
IVV and PAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PAUG?
IVV yields 1.09% while PAUG yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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