Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: IVVMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIVVQBUFWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.79%
AUM$865.2B$161M
Dividend Yield1.09%0.00%
Holdings5086
YTD Return+13.80%+5.32%
1Y Return+23.70%+10.07%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.49%-
5Y Return (annualized)+13.43%-
Volatility (annualized)15.1%4.5%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-8.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMay 15, 2000Jul 1, 2024

IVV vs QBUF Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while QBUF returned +10.07%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 5.32% for QBUF.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.5% for QBUF. 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 -8.8% for QBUF. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IVV charges 0.03% per year while QBUF charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for QBUF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IVV or QBUF?

IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QBUF charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IVV or QBUF?

Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +10.07% for QBUF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +10.73% for QBUF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IVV or QBUF?

IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.5% for QBUF. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QBUF -8.8%.

Should I hold both IVV and QBUF?

IVV and QBUF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QBUF?

IVV yields 1.09% while QBUF yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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