IVV vs SPAM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Themes Cybersecurity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SPAM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.37% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +49.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +42.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 23.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 8, 2023 |
IVV vs SPAM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while SPAM returned +42.43%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 49.65% for SPAM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -24.0% for SPAM. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SPAM 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 0.37% for SPAM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SPAM share 5 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SPAM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPAM 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 SPAM?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +42.43% for SPAM, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +24.72% for SPAM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SPAM?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SPAM -24.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and SPAM?
IVV and SPAM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SPAM?
IVV and SPAM share 5 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SPAM?
IVV yields 1.10% while SPAM yields 0.37%, 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.