IVV vs SMIZ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Zacks Small/Mid Cap 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 | SMIZ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $285M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 203 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +21.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Zacks | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 3, 2023 |
IVV vs SMIZ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) is a ETF from Zacks. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SMIZ returned +21.13%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 13.72% for SMIZ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +21.98% for SMIZ. Across the full 3-year window we track, SMIZ has the edge at +21.98% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -25.0% for SMIZ. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMIZ 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 1.10% against 0.55% for SMIZ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMIZ share 49 holdings out of 655 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMIZ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMIZ 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 SMIZ?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +21.13% for SMIZ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +21.98% for SMIZ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMIZ?
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMIZ -25.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMIZ?
IVV and SMIZ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMIZ?
IVV and SMIZ share 49 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 655 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMIZ?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMIZ yields 0.55%, 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.