IVV vs ZALT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
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 | ZALT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.69% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $782M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +5.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +9.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +10.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Oct 2, 2023 |
IVV vs ZALT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while ZALT returned +9.69%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 5.58% for ZALT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +10.83% for ZALT. Across the full 3-year window we track, ZALT has the edge at +10.83% 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 3.9% for ZALT. 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 -8.2% for ZALT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while ZALT charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $69 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for ZALT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ZALT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZALT charges 0.69%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZALT?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +9.69% for ZALT, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +10.83% for ZALT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZALT?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.9% for ZALT. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZALT -8.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZALT?
IVV and ZALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ZALT?
IVV yields 1.10% while ZALT yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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