IVV vs SPLV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF
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 | SPLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $7.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.14% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 110 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +8.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +6.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +9.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +6.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 11.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 5, 2011 |
IVV vs SPLV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while SPLV returned +6.07%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 8.41% for SPLV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +9.29% for SPLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +6.00% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPLV has the edge at +8.45% annualized vs +7.05%. 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 11.6% for SPLV. 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 -36.6% for SPLV. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SPLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $25 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.14% for SPLV.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SPLV share 98 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SPLV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPLV charges 0.25%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SPLV?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +6.07% for SPLV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +8.45% for SPLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SPLV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.6% for SPLV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SPLV -36.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and SPLV?
IVV and SPLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SPLV?
IVV and SPLV share 98 common holdings with a 14.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SPLV?
IVV yields 1.09% while SPLV yields 2.14%, so SPLV 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.