IVV vs VEGA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write 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 | VEGA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.25% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $93M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.27% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 13 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +7.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +14.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +14.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +6.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Advisor Shares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 17, 2012 |
IVV vs VEGA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is a ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while VEGA returned +14.83%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 7.98% for VEGA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +14.15% for VEGA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +6.74% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs +6.15%. 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 9.8% for VEGA. 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 -28.4% for VEGA. 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 0.96. 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 VEGA charges 1.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $125 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.27% for VEGA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VEGA share 0 holdings out of 515 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 VEGA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VEGA charges 1.25%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $122 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VEGA?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +14.83% for VEGA, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +6.15% for VEGA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VEGA?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.8% for VEGA. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VEGA -28.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and VEGA?
IVV and VEGA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VEGA?
IVV and VEGA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VEGA?
IVV yields 1.10% while VEGA yields 1.27%, so VEGA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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