IVV vs RW
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Rainwater Equity 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 | RW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $18M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.10% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +4.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +0.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -17.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Rainwater ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 17, 2025 |
IVV vs RW Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Rainwater Equity ETF (RW) is a ETF from Rainwater ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while RW returned +0.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 4.05% for RW.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.8% for RW. 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 -17.0% for RW. 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 RW charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.10% for RW.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RW share 19 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RW?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RW charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RW?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +0.75% for RW, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +3.60% for RW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RW?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for RW. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RW -17.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and RW?
IVV and RW 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 RW?
IVV and RW share 19 common holdings with a 25.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RW?
IVV yields 1.09% while RW yields 0.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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