IVV vs SAMT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SAMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SAMT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.66% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $867M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +11.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +23.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +24.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -20.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Strategas Asset Management, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 25, 2022 |
IVV vs SAMT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) is a ETF from Strategas Asset Management, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while SAMT returned +23.05%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 11.32% for SAMT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +24.35% for SAMT. Across the full 5-year window we track, SAMT has the edge at +13.71% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAMT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -20.6% for SAMT. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SAMT charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $66 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.58% for SAMT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SAMT share 29 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SAMT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SAMT charges 0.66%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SAMT?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +23.05% for SAMT, so SAMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +13.71% for SAMT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SAMT?
SAMT has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SAMT -20.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and SAMT?
IVV and SAMT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SAMT?
IVV and SAMT share 29 common holdings with a 15.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SAMT?
IVV yields 1.09% while SAMT yields 0.58%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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