IVV vs VTWAX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWAX offers more diversification with 10,039 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VTWAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $12.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 10,039 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +13.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +18.99% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +8.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 7, 2019 |
IVV vs VTWAX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class (VTWAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while VTWAX returned +20.88%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 13.02% for VTWAX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +18.99% for VTWAX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +8.87% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTWAX has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -28.0% for VTWAX. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VTWAX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.56% for VTWAX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VTWAX share 492 holdings out of 9805 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VTWAX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTWAX charges 0.09%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VTWAX?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +20.88% for VTWAX, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +8.87% for VTWAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VTWAX?
VTWAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VTWAX -28.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and VTWAX?
IVV and VTWAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VTWAX?
IVV and VTWAX share 492 common holdings with a 52.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VTWAX?
IVV yields 1.10% while VTWAX yields 1.56%, so VTWAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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