IVV vs XPH
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +27.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +54.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +18.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +8.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 19, 2006 |
IVV vs XPH Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while XPH returned +54.31%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a gain of 27.02% for XPH.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +18.44% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +8.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XPH has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XPH 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 1.09% against 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XPH share 7 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XPH?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +54.31% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +8.07% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and XPH?
IVV and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XPH?
IVV and XPH share 7 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XPH?
IVV yields 1.09% while XPH yields 0.51%, 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.