IVV vs USAI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. USAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | USAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.23% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 37 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +24.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +25.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +24.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +20.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 28.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -69.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 12, 2017 |
IVV vs USAI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF (USAI) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while USAI returned +25.02%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 24.45% for USAI.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +24.47% for USAI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +20.56% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, USAI has the edge at +11.07% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% 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 -69.3% for USAI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while USAI charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $75 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.23% for USAI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and USAI share 6 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or USAI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while USAI charges 0.75%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or USAI?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +25.02% for USAI, so USAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +11.07% for USAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or USAI?
USAI has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs USAI -69.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and USAI?
IVV and USAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and USAI?
IVV and USAI share 6 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or USAI?
IVV yields 1.09% while USAI yields 4.23%, so USAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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