IVV vs PFFA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock 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 | PFFA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.11% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 9.65% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 193 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +1.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +6.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +11.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +5.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -70.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 15, 2018 |
IVV vs PFFA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus InfraCap US Preferred Stock ETF (PFFA) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while PFFA returned +6.66%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 1.77% for PFFA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +11.85% for PFFA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +5.64% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +4.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -70.7% for PFFA. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PFFA charges 2.11%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $211 annually, a gap of $208 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 9.65% for PFFA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PFFA share 1 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in PFFA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.28% | 0.00% | 0.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PFFA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PFFA charges 2.11%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $208 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PFFA?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +6.66% for PFFA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +4.11% for PFFA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PFFA?
PFFA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PFFA -70.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and PFFA?
IVV and PFFA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PFFA?
IVV and PFFA share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PFFA?
IVV yields 1.09% while PFFA yields 9.65%, so PFFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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