IVV vs RCTR
IVV vs RCTR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF
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 | RCTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.40% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 52 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +2.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +11.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -19.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 30, 2025 |
IVV vs RCTR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while RCTR returned +11.17%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 2.47% for RCTR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RCTR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $70 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.40% for RCTR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RCTR share 7 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in RCTR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEG | 0.13% | 5.25% | 5.12% |
| VST | 0.08% | 5.04% | 4.96% |
| DUK | 0.15% | 4.51% | 4.36% |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HII | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings IVV shares with RCTR Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RCTR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RCTR charges 0.70%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RCTR?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +11.17% for RCTR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +13.52% for RCTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RCTR?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RCTR -19.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and RCTR?
IVV and RCTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RCTR?
IVV and RCTR share 7 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RCTR?
IVV yields 1.09% while RCTR yields 0.40%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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