IVV vs PHYS
IVV vs PHYS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Sprott Physical Gold Trust
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. PHYS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PHYS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $15.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -0.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +26.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +30.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +19.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Sprott Asset Management LP | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 25, 2010 |
IVV vs PHYS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while PHYS returned +26.04%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 0.78% for PHYS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +30.00% for PHYS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +19.12% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PHYS has the edge at +7.78% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -48.2% for PHYS. 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PHYS 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 0.00% for PHYS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PHYS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PHYS 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 PHYS?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +26.04% for PHYS, so PHYS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +7.78% for PHYS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PHYS?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PHYS -48.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and PHYS?
IVV and PHYS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PHYS?
IVV yields 1.09% while PHYS yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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