IVV vs RB
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. RB offers more diversification with 1950 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.58% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.28% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 1,963 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +7.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +16.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -2.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 24, 2025 |
IVV vs RB Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF (RB) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while RB returned +16.50%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 7.72% for RB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.1% for RB. 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 -2.1% for RB. 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RB charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $58 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.28% for RB.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RB share 4 holdings out of 2451 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RB?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RB charges 0.58%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RB?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +16.50% for RB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +15.59% for RB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RB?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.1% for RB. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RB -2.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and RB?
IVV and RB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RB?
IVV and RB share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2451 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RB?
IVV yields 1.09% while RB yields 2.28%, so RB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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