IVV vs SMDX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SMDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMDX offers more diversification with 557 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SMDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $135M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.52% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 557 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +16.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +24.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -14.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Intech ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 1, 2025 |
IVV vs SMDX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SMDX returned +24.11%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 16.39% for SMDX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMDX charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.52% for SMDX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMDX share 1 holdings out of 1030 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 SMDX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPGP | 0.62% | 0.07% | 0.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMDX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMDX charges 0.35%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMDX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +24.11% for SMDX, so SMDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +22.24% for SMDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMDX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMDX -14.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMDX?
IVV and SMDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMDX?
IVV and SMDX share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1030 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMDX?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMDX yields 0.52%, 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.