IVV vs RSBA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage 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 | RSBA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.01% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $53M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -0.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | -2.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -5.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Return Stacked ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 17, 2024 |
IVV vs RSBA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while RSBA returned -2.29%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 0.62% for RSBA.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RSBA charges 1.01%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $101 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.82% for RSBA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RSBA share 1 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in RSBA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSX | 0.10% | -1.82% | 1.92% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RSBA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RSBA charges 1.01%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RSBA?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs -2.29% for RSBA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +2.07% for RSBA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RSBA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RSBA -5.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and RSBA?
IVV and RSBA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RSBA?
IVV and RSBA share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RSBA?
IVV yields 1.09% while RSBA yields 2.82%, so RSBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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