IVV vs SMAX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep 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 | SMAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $89M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.75% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +4.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +6.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 30, 2024 |
IVV vs SMAX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while SMAX returned +6.52%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 4.60% for SMAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.2% for SMAX. 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 SMAX. 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 0.93. 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 SMAX 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 1.10% against 0.75% for SMAX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMAX share 1 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in SMAX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 1.28% | 1.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMAX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMAX 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 SMAX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +6.52% for SMAX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +6.77% for SMAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMAX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.2% for SMAX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMAX -3.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMAX?
IVV and SMAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 SMAX?
IVV and SMAX share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMAX?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMAX yields 0.75%, so IVV 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.