IVV vs WSML
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. WSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. WSML offers more diversification with 1555 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | WSML | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $654M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.76% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 3,540 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +29.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 1, 2025 |
IVV vs WSML Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while WSML returned +29.74%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 17.27% for WSML.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.0% for WSML. 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 -10.7% for WSML. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while WSML charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $30 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 2.76% for WSML.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and WSML share 47 holdings out of 2013 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or WSML?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WSML charges 0.30%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or WSML?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +29.74% for WSML, so WSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs +37.08% for WSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or WSML?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.0% for WSML. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs WSML -10.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and WSML?
IVV and WSML have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and WSML?
IVV and WSML share 47 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2013 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or WSML?
IVV yields 1.09% while WSML yields 2.76%, so WSML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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