IVV vs WCMI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. WCMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +16.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +28.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 31, 2020 |
IVV vs WCMI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while WCMI returned +28.51%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 16.33% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.8% for WCMI. 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.55% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and WCMI share 3 holdings out of 546 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or WCMI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WCMI charges 0.85%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or WCMI?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs +28.51% for WCMI, so WCMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +22.92% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or WCMI?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for WCMI. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and WCMI?
IVV and WCMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and WCMI?
IVV and WCMI share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 546 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or WCMI?
IVV yields 1.10% while WCMI yields 0.55%, so IVV 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.