IVV vs SMLF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SMLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SMLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $4.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.99% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 934 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +19.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +19.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +11.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -43.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 28, 2015 |
IVV vs SMLF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SMLF returned +27.38%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 19.81% for SMLF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +19.50% for SMLF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +11.83% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SMLF has the edge at +11.21% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -43.1% for SMLF. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMLF charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $15 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.99% for SMLF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMLF share 3 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMLF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMLF charges 0.15%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMLF?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +27.38% for SMLF, so SMLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +11.21% for SMLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMLF?
SMLF has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMLF -43.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMLF?
IVV and SMLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMLF?
IVV and SMLF share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMLF?
IVV yields 1.09% while SMLF yields 0.99%, 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.