IVV vs RSSE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September
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 | RSSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +10.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +13.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 20, 2024 |
IVV vs RSSE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while RSSE returned +13.87%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 10.67% for RSSE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.8% for RSSE. 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 -11.4% for RSSE. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RSSE charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for RSSE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RSSE share 0 holdings out of 506 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 RSSE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RSSE charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RSSE?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +13.87% for RSSE, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +9.53% for RSSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RSSE?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.8% for RSSE. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RSSE -11.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and RSSE?
IVV and RSSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RSSE?
IVV and RSSE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RSSE?
IVV yields 1.10% while RSSE yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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