IVV vs XTN
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. XTN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | XTN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $886.7B | $362M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.67% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 44 | |
| YTD Return | +12.92% | +14.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.22% | +24.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.95% | +10.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.76% | +5.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 23.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -44.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IVV vs XTN Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IVV returned +21.22% while XTN returned +24.42%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.92% versus a gain of 14.34% for XTN.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.95% per year against +10.15% for XTN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.76% and +5.04% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTN has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -44.9% for XTN. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while XTN 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 0.67% for XTN.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and XTN share 14 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or XTN?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XTN 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 XTN?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.22% vs +24.42% for XTN, so XTN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +9.81% for XTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or XTN?
XTN has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs XTN -44.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and XTN?
IVV and XTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and XTN?
IVV and XTN share 14 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or XTN?
IVV yields 1.10% while XTN yields 0.67%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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