IVV vs RIFR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF
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 | RIFR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $44M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.87% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +10.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +12.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Russell Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 13, 2025 |
IVV vs RIFR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is a ETF from Russell Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while RIFR returned +12.15%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 10.89% for RIFR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.9% for RIFR. 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 -6.8% for RIFR. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RIFR charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $59 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.87% for RIFR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RIFR share 17 holdings out of 548 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RIFR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RIFR charges 0.59%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RIFR?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +12.15% for RIFR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +15.04% for RIFR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RIFR?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.9% for RIFR. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RIFR -6.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and RIFR?
IVV and RIFR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RIFR?
IVV and RIFR share 17 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RIFR?
IVV yields 1.10% while RIFR yields 0.87%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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