IVV vs VFVA
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard US Value Factor ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VFVA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VFVA offers more diversification with 639 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VFVA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.13% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $996M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 639 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +21.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.14% | +27.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.00% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 13, 2018 |
IVV vs VFVA Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard US Value Factor ETF (VFVA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% while VFVA returned +27.90%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.76% versus a gain of 21.24% for VFVA.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.69% per year against +18.64% for VFVA; over five years the annualized figures are +13.00% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFVA has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFVA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -48.6% for VFVA. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VFVA 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 1.10% against 1.77% for VFVA.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VFVA share 179 holdings out of 1011 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VFVA?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VFVA 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 VFVA?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% vs +27.90% for VFVA, so VFVA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +6.99% vs +11.36% for VFVA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VFVA?
VFVA has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VFVA -48.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and VFVA?
IVV and VFVA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VFVA?
IVV and VFVA share 179 common holdings with a 16.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VFVA?
IVV yields 1.10% while VFVA yields 1.77%, so VFVA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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