IVV vs PSLV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Sprott Physical Silver Trust
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. PSLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.56% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $12.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -13.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +60.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +39.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +20.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 32.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -79.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Sprott Asset Management LP | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 27, 2010 |
IVV vs PSLV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while PSLV returned +60.57%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 13.45% for PSLV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +39.20% for PSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +20.17% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.4% 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 -79.4% for PSLV. 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PSLV charges 0.56%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $56 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for PSLV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PSLV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PSLV charges 0.56%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PSLV?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +60.57% for PSLV, so PSLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +4.78% for PSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PSLV?
PSLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PSLV -79.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and PSLV?
IVV and PSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PSLV?
IVV yields 1.09% while PSLV yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.