IVV vs PPH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.36% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $985M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.92% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +8.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +31.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +12.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 20, 2011 |
IVV vs PPH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while PPH returned +31.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 8.38% for PPH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against +12.51% for PPH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +4.13%. 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 14.8% for PPH. 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 -56.6% for PPH. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PPH charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $36 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.92% for PPH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PPH share 10 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PPH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PPH charges 0.36%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PPH?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +31.44% for PPH, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +4.13% for PPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PPH?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for PPH. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PPH -56.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and PPH?
IVV and PPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PPH?
IVV and PPH share 10 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PPH?
IVV yields 1.10% while PPH yields 1.92%, so PPH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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