IVV vs SAUG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August
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 | SAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $110M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +9.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +16.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +12.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 18, 2023 |
IVV vs SAUG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while SAUG returned +16.18%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 9.39% for SAUG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +12.09% for SAUG. Across the full 3-year window we track, SAUG has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.1% for SAUG. 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 -14.6% for SAUG. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SAUG charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SAUG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SAUG share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SAUG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SAUG charges 0.90%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SAUG?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +16.18% for SAUG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +12.09% for SAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SAUG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for SAUG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SAUG -14.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and SAUG?
IVV and SAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SAUG?
IVV and SAUG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SAUG?
IVV yields 1.09% while SAUG yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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