IVV vs RCS
IVV vs RCS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RCS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.98% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $217M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 10.43% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 503 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -4.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | -20.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +7.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +0.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -60.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PIMCO (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 24, 1994 |
IVV vs RCS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Inc. (RCS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while RCS returned -20.48%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 4.62% for RCS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +7.03% for RCS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +0.84% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -60.9% for RCS. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RCS charges 0.98%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $98 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 10.43% for RCS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RCS share 1 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in RCS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VICI | 0.04% | 0.50% | 0.46% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RCS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RCS charges 0.98%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RCS?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs -20.48% for RCS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs -0.45% for RCS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RCS?
RCS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RCS -60.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and RCS?
IVV and RCS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RCS?
IVV and RCS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RCS?
IVV yields 1.09% while RCS yields 10.43%, so RCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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