IVV vs YSEP
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
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 | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +8.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +13.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +13.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +7.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 17, 2021 |
IVV vs YSEP Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while YSEP returned +13.76%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 8.36% for YSEP.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +13.47% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +7.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, YSEP has the edge at +7.33% annualized vs +7.00%. 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 11.2% for YSEP. 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 -22.6% for YSEP. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while YSEP charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and YSEP share 0 holdings out of 506 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 YSEP?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YSEP charges 0.90%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or YSEP?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +13.76% for YSEP, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +7.33% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or YSEP?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both IVV and YSEP?
IVV and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and YSEP?
IVV and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or YSEP?
IVV yields 1.10% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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