IVV vs RTH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Retail 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 | RTH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.95% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +8.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +9.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +15.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +9.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 20, 2011 |
IVV vs RTH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while RTH returned +9.89%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 8.09% for RTH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +15.38% for RTH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +9.58% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, RTH has the edge at +9.84% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -42.4% for RTH. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RTH charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.95% for RTH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RTH share 24 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RTH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RTH charges 0.35%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RTH?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +9.89% for RTH, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +9.84% for RTH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RTH?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RTH -42.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and RTH?
IVV and RTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RTH?
IVV and RTH share 24 common holdings with a 7.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RTH?
IVV yields 1.09% while RTH yields 0.95%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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