IVV vs VUSE
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vident US Equity Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VUSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $699M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.46% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 128 | |
| YTD Return | +13.25% | +12.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.95% | +14.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.26% | +15.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +11.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vident Financial | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 22, 2014 |
IVV vs VUSE Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is a ETF from Vident Financial. Over the past year IVV returned +19.95% while VUSE returned +14.15%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.25% versus a gain of 12.08% for VUSE.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.26% per year against +15.89% for VUSE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +11.72% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VUSE has the edge at +9.42% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -45.5% for VUSE. 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 0.91. 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 VUSE charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.46% for VUSE.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VUSE share 69 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VUSE?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUSE charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VUSE?
Over the past year IVV returned +19.95% vs +14.15% for VUSE, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +9.42% for VUSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VUSE?
VUSE has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VUSE -45.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and VUSE?
IVV and VUSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VUSE?
IVV and VUSE share 69 common holdings with a 33.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VUSE?
IVV yields 1.10% while VUSE yields 0.46%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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