IVV vs ZHDG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF
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 | ZHDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $37M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.47% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +12.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +13.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +5.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Zega ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 6, 2021 |
IVV vs ZHDG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ZEGA Buy and Hedge ETF (ZHDG) is a ETF from Zega ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while ZHDG returned +12.64%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.56% for ZHDG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +13.88% for ZHDG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +5.81% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +5.88%. 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 12.5% for ZHDG. 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 -23.3% for ZHDG. 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 0.98. 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 ZHDG charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $97 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.47% for ZHDG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and ZHDG share 0 holdings out of 508 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 ZHDG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZHDG charges 0.97%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZHDG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +12.64% for ZHDG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +5.88% for ZHDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZHDG?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for ZHDG. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZHDG -23.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZHDG?
IVV and ZHDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and ZHDG?
IVV and ZHDG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ZHDG?
IVV yields 1.10% while ZHDG yields 2.47%, so ZHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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