IVV vs RFI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc.
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1,524.6 | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 7.96% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 193 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +9.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +5.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +8.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +1.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -80.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Cohen & Steers Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 27, 1993 |
IVV vs RFI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while RFI returned +5.14%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 9.70% for RFI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against +8.88% for RFI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +1.46% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +0.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -80.1% for RFI. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RFI charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $89 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 7.96% for RFI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RFI share 22 holdings out of 640 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RFI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RFI charges 0.89%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RFI?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +5.14% for RFI, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +0.03% for RFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RFI?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RFI -80.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and RFI?
IVV and RFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RFI?
IVV and RFI share 22 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RFI?
IVV yields 1.10% while RFI yields 7.96%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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