IVV vs SEA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 5.17% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 32 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +41.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +46.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +23.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -39.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ETF Series Solutions | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 19, 2022 |
IVV vs SEA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SEA returned +46.53%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 41.41% for SEA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +23.65% for SEA. Across the full 5-year window we track, SEA has the edge at +12.02% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -39.5% for SEA. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SEA charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 5.17% for SEA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SEA share 3 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SEA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SEA charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SEA?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +46.53% for SEA, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +12.02% for SEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SEA?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SEA -39.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SEA?
IVV and SEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SEA?
IVV and SEA share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SEA?
IVV yields 1.10% while SEA yields 5.17%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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