IVV vs ZTR
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. ZTR offers more diversification with 770 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $375M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 8.06% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +17.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +17.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +4.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 24, 2005 |
IVV vs ZTR Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while ZTR returned +17.53%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 13.56% for ZTR.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +17.42% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +4.11% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -3.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $253 annually, a gap of $250 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 8.06% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and ZTR share 24 holdings out of 1012 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ZTR?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZTR charges 2.53%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $250 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZTR?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +17.53% for ZTR, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -3.20% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZTR?
IVV and ZTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and ZTR?
IVV and ZTR share 24 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1012 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ZTR?
IVV yields 1.10% while ZTR yields 8.06%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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