IVV vs XRT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | XRT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $524M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.77% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +12.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +12.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +0.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 24.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -66.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 19, 2006 |
IVV vs XRT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while XRT returned +12.72%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 6.24% for XRT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +12.19% for XRT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +0.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XRT has the edge at +8.61% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -66.2% for XRT. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XRT 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 0.77% for XRT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XRT share 3 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XRT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XRT 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 XRT?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +12.72% for XRT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +8.61% for XRT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XRT?
XRT has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XRT -66.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and XRT?
IVV and XRT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XRT?
IVV and XRT share 3 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XRT?
IVV yields 1.09% while XRT yields 0.77%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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