IVV vs SEPP
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 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 | SEPP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $24M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +7.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +14.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | PGIM Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 15, 2024 |
IVV vs SEPP Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - September (SEPP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while SEPP returned +14.25%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 7.83% for SEPP.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.5% for SEPP. 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 -11.8% for SEPP. 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 0.96. 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 SEPP charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SEPP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SEPP?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SEPP charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SEPP?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +14.25% for SEPP, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +13.02% for SEPP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SEPP?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.5% for SEPP. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SEPP -11.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and SEPP?
IVV and SEPP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SEPP?
IVV yields 1.09% while SEPP yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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