IVV vs XLG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 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 | XLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $11.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.66% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 53 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +5.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.63% | +14.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.71% | +21.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.87% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -53.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 4, 2005 |
IVV vs XLG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year IVV returned +20.63% while XLG returned +14.26%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.76% versus a gain of 5.51% for XLG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.71% per year against +21.96% for XLG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.87% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, XLG has the edge at +9.72% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 15.0% for XLG. 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 -53.8% for XLG. 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 0.97. 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 XLG charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $20 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.66% for XLG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XLG share 47 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 59.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XLG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLG charges 0.20%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or XLG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.63% vs +14.26% for XLG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), IVV annualized +6.99% vs +9.72% for XLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XLG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for XLG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XLG -53.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and XLG?
IVV and XLG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 XLG?
IVV and XLG share 47 common holdings with a 59.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XLG?
IVV yields 1.10% while XLG yields 0.66%, 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.