IVV vs VGK
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 1,240 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VGK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $886.7B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 1,240 | |
| YTD Return | +13.86% | +10.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.57% | +21.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.48% | +18.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +9.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -67.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 4, 2005 |
IVV vs VGK Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.57% while VGK returned +21.64%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.86% versus a gain of 10.48% for VGK.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.48% per year against +18.95% for VGK; over five years the annualized figures are +12.88% and +9.01% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +3.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGK charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.82% for VGK.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VGK?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGK charges 0.06%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGK?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.57% vs +21.64% for VGK, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +3.65% for VGK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGK?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGK -67.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGK?
IVV and VGK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGK?
IVV and VGK share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1681 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGK?
IVV yields 1.10% while VGK yields 2.82%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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