IVV vs SMOG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Low Carbon Energy 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 | SMOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.64% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $125M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 61 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +5.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +19.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +8.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | -1.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 28.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -84.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 3, 2007 |
IVV vs SMOG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while SMOG returned +19.44%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 5.22% for SMOG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +8.72% for SMOG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and -1.44% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +1.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -84.4% for SMOG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMOG charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $64 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.56% for SMOG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMOG share 3 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMOG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMOG charges 0.64%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMOG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +19.44% for SMOG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +1.65% for SMOG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMOG?
SMOG has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMOG -84.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMOG?
IVV and SMOG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMOG?
IVV and SMOG share 3 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMOG?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMOG yields 1.56%, so SMOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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