IVV vs SIMS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SIMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.56% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +3.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +14.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +10.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +0.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 24.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -44.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 18, 2017 |
IVV vs SIMS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while SIMS returned +14.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 3.79% for SIMS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.10% per year against +10.41% for SIMS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +0.79% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -44.0% for SIMS. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SIMS charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.56% for SIMS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SIMS share 15 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SIMS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SIMS charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SIMS?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +14.75% for SIMS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +5.31% for SIMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SIMS?
SIMS has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SIMS -44.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and SIMS?
IVV and SIMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SIMS?
IVV and SIMS share 15 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SIMS?
IVV yields 1.10% while SIMS yields 0.56%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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