IVV vs XLFI
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Premium Income 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 | XLFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 11.24% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +5.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +10.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -11.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 29, 2025 |
IVV vs XLFI Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLFI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while XLFI returned +10.81%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 5.40% for XLFI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.3% for XLFI. 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 -11.9% for XLFI. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XLFI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 11.24% for XLFI.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XLFI share 0 holdings out of 506 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 XLFI?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLFI charges 0.35%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or XLFI?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +10.81% for XLFI, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +10.74% for XLFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XLFI?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.3% for XLFI. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XLFI -11.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and XLFI?
IVV and XLFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XLFI?
IVV and XLFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XLFI?
IVV yields 1.10% while XLFI yields 11.24%, so XLFI 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.