IVV vs YLD
IVV vs YLD
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Principal Active High Yield 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 | YLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $580M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 7.26% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 148 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +3.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.70% | +5.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +8.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +4.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -30.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 8, 2015 |
IVV vs YLD Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while YLD returned +5.35%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a gain of 3.46% for YLD.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +8.24% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +4.59% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.61%. 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 8.7% for YLD. 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 -30.3% for YLD. 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 YLD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 7.26% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and YLD share 0 holdings out of 614 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 YLD?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YLD charges 0.39%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or YLD?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +5.35% for YLD, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs +2.61% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or YLD?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and YLD?
IVV and YLD 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 YLD?
IVV and YLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or YLD?
IVV yields 1.09% while YLD yields 7.26%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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