IVV vs ZFEB
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr February
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 | ZFEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $152M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +3.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +6.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 31, 2025 |
IVV vs ZFEB Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr February (ZFEB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while ZFEB returned +6.28%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a gain of 3.33% for ZFEB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.3% for ZFEB. 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 -3.0% for ZFEB. 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 0.91. 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 ZFEB charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for ZFEB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ZFEB?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZFEB charges 0.79%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZFEB?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs +6.28% for ZFEB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +6.28% for ZFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZFEB?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.3% for ZFEB. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZFEB -3.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZFEB?
IVV and ZFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 ZFEB?
IVV yields 1.09% while ZFEB yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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