IVV vs URNJ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. URNJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | URNJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $366M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 7.63% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -14.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +31.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +16.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 46.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -57.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 1, 2023 |
IVV vs URNJ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (URNJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while URNJ returned +31.47%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 14.77% for URNJ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +16.12% for URNJ. Across the full 4-year window we track, URNJ has the edge at +10.31% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
URNJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 46.4% 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 -57.7% for URNJ. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while URNJ charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $80 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 7.63% for URNJ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and URNJ share 0 holdings out of 543 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 URNJ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while URNJ charges 0.80%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or URNJ?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +31.47% for URNJ, so URNJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +10.31% for URNJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or URNJ?
URNJ has been the more volatile fund at 46.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs URNJ -57.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and URNJ?
IVV and URNJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and URNJ?
IVV and URNJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or URNJ?
IVV yields 1.10% while URNJ yields 7.63%, so URNJ 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.