IVV vs PFN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II
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 | PFN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $686M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 12.41% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 513 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +1.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +4.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +12.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +2.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -83.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 29, 2004 |
IVV vs PFN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II (PFN) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PFN returned +4.81%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 1.30% for PFN.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +12.36% for PFN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +2.13% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -1.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -83.4% for PFN. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PFN charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $129 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 12.41% for PFN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PFN 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 PFN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.04% | 0.42% | 0.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PFN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PFN charges 1.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PFN?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +4.81% for PFN, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs -1.94% for PFN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PFN?
PFN has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PFN -83.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and PFN?
IVV and PFN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PFN?
IVV and PFN share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PFN?
IVV yields 1.09% while PFN yields 12.41%, so PFN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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