IVV vs SYLD
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $998M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.84% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +21.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +27.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +12.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +8.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Cambria Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 13, 2013 |
IVV vs SYLD Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SYLD returned +27.01%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 21.89% for SYLD.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +12.31% for SYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +8.52% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SYLD has the edge at +12.56% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -45.4% for SYLD. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SYLD 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 1.09% against 1.84% for SYLD.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SYLD share 39 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SYLD?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SYLD 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 SYLD?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +27.01% for SYLD, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +12.56% for SYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SYLD?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SYLD -45.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and SYLD?
IVV and SYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SYLD?
IVV and SYLD share 39 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SYLD?
IVV yields 1.09% while SYLD yields 1.84%, so SYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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