IVV vs SLX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Steel ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SLX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SLX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $159M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.33% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +25.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +54.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +19.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +13.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 33.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -82.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 10, 2006 |
IVV vs SLX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SLX returned +54.77%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 25.56% for SLX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +19.55% for SLX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +13.82% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SLX has the edge at +7.77% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -82.1% for SLX. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SLX charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $55 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.33% for SLX.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SLX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SLX charges 0.55%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SLX?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +54.77% for SLX, so SLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.77% for SLX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SLX?
SLX has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SLX -82.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and SLX?
IVV and SLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SLX?
IVV and SLX share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SLX?
IVV yields 1.09% while SLX yields 1.33%, so SLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.