IVV vs PEX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Global Listed Private Equity 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 | PEX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $11M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 8.93% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 31 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -2.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | -10.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +4.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | -0.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 115.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -77.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 26, 2013 |
IVV vs PEX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Global Listed Private Equity ETF (PEX) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while PEX returned -10.11%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 2.56% for PEX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +4.62% for PEX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and -0.42% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 115.1% 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 -77.9% for PEX. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PEX charges 2.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $295 annually, a gap of $292 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 8.93% for PEX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PEX share 0 holdings out of 535 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 PEX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PEX charges 2.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $292 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PEX?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs -10.11% for PEX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +5.34% for PEX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PEX?
PEX has been the more volatile fund at 115.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PEX -77.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and PEX?
IVV and PEX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PEX?
IVV and PEX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PEX?
IVV yields 1.09% while PEX yields 8.93%, so PEX 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.