IVV vs PFL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO Income Strategy Fund
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 | PFL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.37% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $386M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 12.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 401 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -0.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +3.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +10.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +0.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -82.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 26, 2003 |
IVV vs PFL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO Income Strategy Fund (PFL) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while PFL returned +3.45%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 0.68% for PFL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +10.51% for PFL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +0.95% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -1.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -82.2% for PFL. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PFL charges 1.37%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $137 annually, a gap of $134 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 12.79% for PFL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PFL share 1 holdings out of 525 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 PFL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.04% | 0.40% | 0.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PFL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PFL charges 1.37%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $134 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PFL?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +3.45% for PFL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs -1.43% for PFL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PFL?
PFL has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PFL -82.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and PFL?
IVV and PFL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PFL?
IVV and PFL share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PFL?
IVV yields 1.09% while PFL yields 12.79%, so PFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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