IVV vs WAR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. WAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | WAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 10.22% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +39.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +58.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 32.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 30, 2024 |
IVV vs WAR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc.. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while WAR returned +58.22%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 39.39% for WAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -25.0% for WAR. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while WAR charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 10.22% for WAR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and WAR share 10 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or WAR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WAR charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or WAR?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +58.22% for WAR, so WAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs +46.04% for WAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or WAR?
WAR has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs WAR -25.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and WAR?
IVV and WAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and WAR?
IVV and WAR share 10 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or WAR?
IVV yields 1.10% while WAR yields 10.22%, so WAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.