IVV vs STRN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs SMART Trend 25 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | STRN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $28M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +13.22% | +19.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +33.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.17% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 28.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | SMART Wealth, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 20, 2025 |
IVV vs STRN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% while STRN returned +33.16%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.22% versus a gain of 19.17% for STRN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.1% 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 -15.4% for STRN. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while STRN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $59 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.16% for STRN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and STRN share 21 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or STRN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while STRN charges 0.59%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or STRN?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% vs +33.16% for STRN, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or STRN?
STRN has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs STRN -15.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and STRN?
IVV and STRN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and STRN?
IVV and STRN share 21 common holdings with a 16.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or STRN?
IVV yields 1.10% while STRN yields 0.16%, 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.