IVV vs PIFI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PIFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $98M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.16% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +0.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +1.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +3.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +0.73% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ClearShares ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 1, 2020 |
IVV vs PIFI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income ETF (PIFI) is a ETF from ClearShares ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PIFI returned +1.88%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 0.16% for PIFI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +3.71% for PIFI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +0.73% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.55%. 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 3.8% for PIFI. 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 -10.6% for PIFI. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PIFI charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.16% for PIFI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PIFI share 0 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PIFI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PIFI charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PIFI?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +1.88% for PIFI, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +0.55% for PIFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PIFI?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.8% for PIFI. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PIFI -10.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and PIFI?
IVV and PIFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PIFI?
IVV and PIFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PIFI?
IVV yields 1.09% while PIFI yields 1.16%, so PIFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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