IVV vs STAX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term 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 | STAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.17% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +1.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +2.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 1.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -1.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 28, 2023 |
IVV vs STAX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while STAX returned +2.27%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 1.14% for STAX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.7% for STAX. 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 -1.4% for STAX. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while STAX charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $29 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.17% for STAX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and STAX share 0 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or STAX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while STAX charges 0.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or STAX?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +2.27% for STAX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +3.36% for STAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or STAX?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.7% for STAX. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs STAX -1.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and STAX?
IVV and STAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and STAX?
IVV and STAX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or STAX?
IVV yields 1.09% while STAX yields 3.17%, so STAX 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.