IVV vs PBFR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 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 | PBFR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $201M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 15 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +6.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +10.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 11, 2024 |
IVV vs PBFR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM Laddered S&P 500 Buffer 20 ETF (PBFR) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while PBFR returned +10.59%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 6.49% for PBFR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.3% for PBFR. 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 -8.5% for PBFR. 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 0.95. 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 PBFR charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.01% for PBFR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PBFR share 0 holdings out of 517 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 PBFR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PBFR charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PBFR?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +10.59% for PBFR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +10.50% for PBFR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PBFR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.3% for PBFR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PBFR -8.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and PBFR?
IVV and PBFR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PBFR?
IVV and PBFR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PBFR?
IVV yields 1.09% while PBFR yields 0.01%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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