IVV vs UTES
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF
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 | UTES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 19 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -5.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | -4.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +12.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -35.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 23, 2015 |
IVV vs UTES Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while UTES returned -4.02%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 5.58% for UTES.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +21.67% for UTES; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +12.90% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, UTES has the edge at +11.69% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -35.7% for UTES. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UTES charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.53% for UTES.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and UTES share 16 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or UTES?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UTES charges 0.49%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or UTES?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs -4.02% for UTES, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +11.69% for UTES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UTES?
UTES has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UTES -35.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and UTES?
IVV and UTES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and UTES?
IVV and UTES share 16 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or UTES?
IVV yields 1.10% while UTES yields 1.53%, so UTES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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