IVV vs PFO
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PFO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | - | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $132M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.60% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 260 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +0.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +5.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +12.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | -0.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -83.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Flaherty & Crumrine | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 13, 1992 |
IVV vs PFO Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Opportunity Fund Inc (PFO) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PFO returned +5.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 0.72% for PFO.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +12.55% for PFO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and -0.34% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -83.2% for PFO. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PFO share 7 holdings out of 675 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, IVV or PFO?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +5.75% for PFO, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +0.85% for PFO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PFO?
PFO has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PFO -83.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and PFO?
IVV and PFO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PFO?
IVV and PFO share 7 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 675 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PFO?
IVV yields 1.09% while PFO yields 6.60%, so PFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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