IVV vs USSG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. USSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | USSG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $599M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 269 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +12.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +22.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +13.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 6, 2019 |
IVV vs USSG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF (USSG) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while USSG returned +23.24%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 12.92% for USSG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +22.27% for USSG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +13.10% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, USSG has the edge at +16.39% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -34.4% for USSG. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while USSG charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.00% for USSG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and USSG share 237 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or USSG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while USSG charges 0.09%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or USSG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +23.24% for USSG, so USSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +16.39% for USSG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or USSG?
USSG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs USSG -34.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and USSG?
IVV and USSG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and USSG?
IVV and USSG share 237 common holdings with a 50.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or USSG?
IVV yields 1.10% while USSG yields 1.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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