Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. PSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. PSC offers more diversification with 509 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: PSCMore Diversified: PSC

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIVVPSCWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.38%
AUM$865.2B$2.2B
Dividend Yield1.09%0.55%
Holdings508513
YTD Return+13.80%+20.69%
1Y Return+23.70%+33.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.49%+17.87%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.43%+9.84%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%20.9%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-47.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Principal Funds
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 15, 2000Sep 21, 2016

IVV vs PSC Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while PSC returned +33.12%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 20.69% for PSC.

Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +17.87% for PSC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +9.84% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PSC has the edge at +11.49% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -47.9% for PSC. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IVV charges 0.03% per year while PSC charges 0.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $38 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.55% for PSC.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

IVV and PSC share 1 holdings out of 1013 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IVVWeight in PSCDifference
NUVL0.62%0.21%0.41%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IVV or PSC?

IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PSC charges 0.38%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IVV or PSC?

Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +33.12% for PSC, so PSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +11.49% for PSC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IVV or PSC?

PSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PSC -47.9%.

Should I hold both IVV and PSC?

IVV and PSC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PSC?

IVV and PSC share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1013 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PSC?

IVV yields 1.09% while PSC yields 0.55%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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