IVV vs VSGX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VSGX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSGX offers more diversification with 6,636 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VSGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $6.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.99% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6,636 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +13.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +22.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +19.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +8.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 18, 2018 |
IVV vs VSGX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while VSGX returned +22.90%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 13.97% for VSGX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +19.81% for VSGX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +8.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VSGX has the edge at +8.67% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -33.1% for VSGX. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VSGX charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $10 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.99% for VSGX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VSGX share 4 holdings out of 6629 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VSGX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSGX charges 0.10%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VSGX?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +22.90% for VSGX, so VSGX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +8.67% for VSGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VSGX?
VSGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VSGX -33.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and VSGX?
IVV and VSGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VSGX?
IVV and VSGX share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6629 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VSGX?
IVV yields 1.10% while VSGX yields 2.99%, so VSGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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