IVV vs STEN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep 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 | STEN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.17% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +13.51% | +11.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.65% | +13.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.94% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 30, 2025 |
IVV vs STEN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% while STEN returned +13.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.51% versus a gain of 11.23% for STEN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -6.2% for STEN. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while STEN charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.17% for STEN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and STEN share 1 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in STEN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTSLA | 0.15% | 1.27% | 1.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or STEN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while STEN charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or STEN?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% vs +13.22% for STEN, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and STEN?
IVV and STEN share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or STEN?
IVV yields 1.10% while STEN yields 0.17%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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