IVV vs THW
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Abrdn World Healthcare Fund
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. THW delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | THW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 3.00% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $483M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 10.27% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 123 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +19.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +37.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +13.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +7.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 21.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -55.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 26, 2015 |
IVV vs THW Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while THW returned +37.62%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 19.12% for THW.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.10% per year against +13.92% for THW; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +7.04% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -55.6% for THW. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while THW charges 3.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $300 annually, a gap of $297 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 10.27% for THW.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and THW share 27 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or THW?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while THW charges 3.00%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $297 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or THW?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +37.62% for THW, so THW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +2.06% for THW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or THW?
THW has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs THW -55.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and THW?
IVV and THW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and THW?
IVV and THW share 27 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or THW?
IVV yields 1.10% while THW yields 10.27%, so THW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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