IVV vs VFMO
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard US Momentum Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VFMO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFMO offers more diversification with 668 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VFMO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.82% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 674 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +19.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +31.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +25.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -36.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 13, 2018 |
IVV vs VFMO Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard US Momentum Factor ETF (VFMO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while VFMO returned +31.98%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 19.13% for VFMO.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against +25.62% for VFMO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFMO has the edge at +14.82% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -36.8% for VFMO. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VFMO charges 0.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $13 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.82% for VFMO.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VFMO share 127 holdings out of 1046 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VFMO?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VFMO charges 0.13%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VFMO?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs +31.98% for VFMO, so VFMO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +14.82% for VFMO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VFMO?
VFMO has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VFMO -36.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and VFMO?
IVV and VFMO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VFMO?
IVV and VFMO share 127 common holdings with a 20.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1046 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VFMO?
IVV yields 1.09% while VFMO yields 0.82%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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