IVV vs SGOL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SGOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.17% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $6.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +1.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +31.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +32.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +20.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 9, 2009 |
IVV vs SGOL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while SGOL returned +31.67%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 1.82% for SGOL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +32.09% for SGOL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +20.09% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SGOL has the edge at +8.92% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -45.5% for SGOL. 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SGOL charges 0.17%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $17 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SGOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SGOL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SGOL charges 0.17%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SGOL?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +31.67% for SGOL, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +8.92% for SGOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SGOL?
SGOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SGOL -45.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SGOL?
IVV and SGOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SGOL?
IVV yields 1.09% while SGOL yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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