IVV vs USA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Liberty All-Star Equity Fund
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 | USA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.92% | |
| AUM | $886.7B | $2.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 10.15% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 139 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +2.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +1.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.07% | +9.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.62% | +2.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -84.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Liberty All Star Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 31, 1986 |
IVV vs USA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +20.92% while USA returned +1.17%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.64% versus a gain of 2.64% for USA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.07% per year against +9.46% for USA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.62% and +2.52% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -84.2% for USA. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while USA charges 0.92%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $92 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 10.15% for USA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and USA share 108 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or USA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while USA charges 0.92%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or USA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.92% vs +1.17% for USA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -0.22% for USA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or USA?
USA has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs USA -84.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and USA?
IVV and USA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and USA?
IVV and USA share 108 common holdings with a 37.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or USA?
IVV yields 1.10% while USA yields 10.15%, so USA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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