IVV vs PTA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund
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 | PTA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.01% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 7.91% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 283 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +1.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +1.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +10.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +2.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Cohen & Steers Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 28, 2020 |
IVV vs PTA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while PTA returned +1.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 1.84% for PTA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.10% per year against +10.51% for PTA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +2.14% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.84%. 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 13.6% for PTA. 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 -28.7% for PTA. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PTA charges 2.01%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $201 annually, a gap of $198 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 7.91% for PTA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PTA share 3 holdings out of 669 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PTA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PTA charges 2.01%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $198 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PTA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +1.22% for PTA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +2.84% for PTA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PTA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PTA -28.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and PTA?
IVV and PTA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PTA?
IVV and PTA share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PTA?
IVV yields 1.10% while PTA yields 7.91%, so PTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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