IVV vs SPE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Special Opportunities Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SPE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 4.89% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $171M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 8.31% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 158 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -3.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | -4.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +15.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +7.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -58.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Special Opportunities Fund | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 8, 1993 |
IVV vs SPE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while SPE returned -4.00%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 3.15% for SPE.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +15.35% for SPE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +7.11% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.8% for SPE. 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 -58.5% for SPE. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SPE charges 4.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $489 annually, a gap of $486 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 8.31% for SPE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SPE share 1 holdings out of 608 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in SPE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPL | 0.04% | 3.98% | 3.94% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SPE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPE charges 4.89%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $486 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SPE?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs -4.00% for SPE, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +2.06% for SPE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SPE?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for SPE. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SPE -58.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SPE?
IVV and SPE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SPE?
IVV and SPE share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SPE?
IVV yields 1.09% while SPE yields 8.31%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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