IVV vs VCSH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCSH offers more diversification with 2440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VCSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $44.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.44% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 2,719 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +0.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +2.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +5.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +2.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -12.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 19, 2009 |
IVV vs VCSH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while VCSH returned +2.88%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 0.70% for VCSH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +5.52% for VCSH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +2.31% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.6% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VCSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.44% for VCSH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VCSH share 3 holdings out of 2942 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VCSH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VCSH charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VCSH?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +2.88% for VCSH, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +1.28% for VCSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VCSH?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VCSH -12.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and VCSH?
IVV and VCSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VCSH?
IVV and VCSH share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2942 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VCSH?
IVV yields 1.09% while VCSH yields 4.44%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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