IVV vs RAYJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RAYJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RAYJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.72% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $24M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 4.76% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +23.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -16.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Rayliant Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 4, 2024 |
IVV vs RAYJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is a ETF from Rayliant Asset Management. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while RAYJ returned +23.69%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 15.34% for RAYJ.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -16.6% for RAYJ. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RAYJ charges 0.72%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $72 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 4.76% for RAYJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RAYJ share 0 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RAYJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RAYJ charges 0.72%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RAYJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +23.69% for RAYJ, so RAYJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +20.92% for RAYJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RAYJ?
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RAYJ -16.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and RAYJ?
IVV and RAYJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RAYJ?
IVV and RAYJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RAYJ?
IVV yields 1.10% while RAYJ yields 4.76%, so RAYJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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