IVV vs RFDA
IVV vs RFDA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RFDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RFDA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $89M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 79 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +16.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +25.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +19.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +13.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 6, 2016 |
IVV vs RFDA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while RFDA returned +25.69%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 16.12% for RFDA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +19.05% for RFDA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +13.07% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFDA has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFDA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -34.8% for RFDA. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RFDA charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $52 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.79% for RFDA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RFDA share 60 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in RFDA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.76% | 2.60% | 5.16% |
| AAPL | 7.44% | 2.04% | 5.40% |
| MSFT | 4.57% | 1.96% | 2.61% |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IVV shares with RFDA Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RFDA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RFDA charges 0.52%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RFDA?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +25.69% for RFDA, so RFDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +12.48% for RFDA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RFDA?
RFDA has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RFDA -34.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and RFDA?
IVV and RFDA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RFDA?
IVV and RFDA share 60 common holdings with a 22.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RFDA?
IVV yields 1.09% while RFDA yields 1.79%, so RFDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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