IVV vs VGSH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VGSH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $29.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.87% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +0.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +2.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +4.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +1.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 1.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -6.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 19, 2009 |
IVV vs VGSH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while VGSH returned +2.54%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 0.71% for VGSH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +4.26% for VGSH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +1.88% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.71%. 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 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH. 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGSH charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.87% for VGSH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGSH share 0 holdings out of 581 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 VGSH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGSH charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGSH?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +2.54% for VGSH, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +0.71% for VGSH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGSH?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGSH -6.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGSH?
IVV and VGSH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGSH?
IVV and VGSH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGSH?
IVV yields 1.09% while VGSH yields 3.87%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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