IVV vs RNEM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select 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 | RNEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.76% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $17M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 290 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +2.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +7.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +7.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +5.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 20, 2017 |
IVV vs RNEM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust Emerging Markets Equity Select ETF (RNEM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while RNEM returned +7.85%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 2.84% for RNEM.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +7.80% for RNEM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +5.71% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +3.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.3% for RNEM. 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 -42.3% for RNEM. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RNEM charges 0.76%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $76 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.77% for RNEM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RNEM share 0 holdings out of 777 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RNEM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RNEM charges 0.76%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RNEM?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +7.85% for RNEM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +3.12% for RNEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RNEM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for RNEM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RNEM -42.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and RNEM?
IVV and RNEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RNEM?
IVV and RNEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 777 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RNEM?
IVV yields 1.09% while RNEM yields 2.77%, so RNEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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