IVV vs PFXF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials 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 | PFXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.42% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 117 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +3.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +8.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +8.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +3.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -37.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 16, 2012 |
IVV vs PFXF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Preferred Securities ex Financials ETF (PFXF) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while PFXF returned +8.97%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 3.32% for PFXF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +8.77% for PFXF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +3.19% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +1.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.2% for PFXF. 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 -37.3% for PFXF. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PFXF charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $40 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 6.42% for PFXF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PFXF share 6 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PFXF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PFXF charges 0.40%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PFXF?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +8.97% for PFXF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +1.77% for PFXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PFXF?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for PFXF. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PFXF -37.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and PFXF?
IVV and PFXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PFXF?
IVV and PFXF share 6 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PFXF?
IVV yields 1.09% while PFXF yields 6.42%, so PFXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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