IVV vs VXF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +15.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +23.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +19.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +7.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 27, 2001 |
IVV vs VXF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while VXF returned +23.93%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 15.71% for VXF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +19.90% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +7.18% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.01% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VXF share 4 holdings out of 3795 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 VXF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF charges 0.05%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VXF?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +23.93% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +9.01% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and VXF?
IVV and VXF 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 VXF?
IVV and VXF share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VXF?
IVV yields 1.10% while VXF yields 1.03%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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