IVV vs SAEF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Schwab Ariel Opportunities 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 | SAEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.33% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -12.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | -8.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +2.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 24.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 15, 2021 |
IVV vs SAEF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab Ariel Opportunities ETF (SAEF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while SAEF returned -8.20%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 12.00% for SAEF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +2.62% for SAEF. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -28.1% for SAEF. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SAEF charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $59 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.33% for SAEF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SAEF share 21 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SAEF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SAEF charges 0.59%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SAEF?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs -8.20% for SAEF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs -0.25% for SAEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SAEF?
SAEF has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SAEF -28.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and SAEF?
IVV and SAEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SAEF?
IVV and SAEF share 21 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SAEF?
IVV yields 1.09% while SAEF yields 0.33%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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