IVV vs VGUS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VGUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.07% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $1.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.60% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +1.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +3.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 0.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -0.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 7, 2025 |
IVV vs VGUS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Ultra-Short Treasury ETF (VGUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while VGUS returned +3.48%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 1.80% for VGUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.7% for VGUS. 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 -0.3% for VGUS. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VGUS charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.60% for VGUS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VGUS share 0 holdings out of 556 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 VGUS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VGUS charges 0.07%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VGUS?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +3.48% for VGUS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +4.60% for VGUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VGUS?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.7% for VGUS. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VGUS -0.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and VGUS?
IVV and VGUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VGUS?
IVV and VGUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VGUS?
IVV yields 1.09% while VGUS yields 3.60%, so VGUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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