IVV vs VCLN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VCLN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.44% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +9.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +37.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +15.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +3.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 27.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 3, 2021 |
IVV vs VCLN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while VCLN returned +37.97%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 9.62% for VCLN.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +15.29% for VCLN; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +3.41% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.4% 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 -45.7% for VCLN. 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 VCLN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $59 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.44% for VCLN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VCLN share 6 holdings out of 539 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 VCLN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VCLN charges 0.59%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VCLN?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +37.97% for VCLN, so VCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +3.31% for VCLN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VCLN?
VCLN has been the more volatile fund at 27.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VCLN -45.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and VCLN?
IVV and VCLN 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 VCLN?
IVV and VCLN share 6 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VCLN?
IVV yields 1.09% while VCLN yields 1.44%, so VCLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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