IVV vs SEPM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - September
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 | SEPM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $31M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +4.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +6.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 20, 2024 |
IVV vs SEPM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - September (SEPM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while SEPM returned +6.42%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 4.27% for SEPM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.8% for SEPM. 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 -3.9% for SEPM. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SEPM charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SEPM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SEPM 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 SEPM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SEPM charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SEPM?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +6.42% for SEPM, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +6.27% for SEPM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SEPM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.8% for SEPM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SEPM -3.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and SEPM?
IVV and SEPM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SEPM?
IVV and SEPM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SEPM?
IVV yields 1.09% while SEPM yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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