IVV vs USG
IVV vs USG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | USG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 29.92% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -1.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +20.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -24.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 8, 2021 |
IVV vs USG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while USG returned +20.19%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 1.09% for USG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +26.07% for USG. Across the full 5-year window we track, USG has the edge at +17.19% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -24.9% for USG. 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while USG charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 29.92% for USG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or USG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while USG charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or USG?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +20.19% for USG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +17.19% for USG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or USG?
USG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs USG -24.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and USG?
IVV and USG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or USG?
IVV yields 1.09% while USG yields 29.92%, so USG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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