IVV vs RVT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. RVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RVT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.34% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 473 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +21.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +30.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +20.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -79.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 19, 1986 |
IVV vs RVT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Royce Small-Cap Trust Inc (RVT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while RVT returned +30.04%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 21.68% for RVT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +20.28% for RVT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -79.1% for RVT. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RVT charges 1.34%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $134 annually, a gap of $131 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 6.79% for RVT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RVT share 8 holdings out of 968 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RVT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RVT charges 1.34%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $131 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RVT?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +30.04% for RVT, so RVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +3.05% for RVT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RVT?
RVT has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RVT -79.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and RVT?
IVV and RVT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RVT?
IVV and RVT share 8 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 968 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RVT?
IVV yields 1.09% while RVT yields 6.79%, so RVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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