What Is the IVV ETF? A Complete Guide to Returns, Expense Ratio, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a core holding that automatically diversifies across US large-cap stocks, with an ultra-low expense ratio, broad diversification, and quarterly dividends. Differences in fees, liquidity, and AUM versus VOO, SPY, and SPYM are the key selection criteria.
SubscribeWhat Is the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF?
It is a passive ETF managed by BlackRock iShares that tracks the S&P 500 index. It holds a broad range of US large-cap stocks on a market-cap-weighted basis, so it follows the overall movement of the US stock market as it is.
It is well suited to investors who want a core holding for long-term diversification across the US market.
It is an ETF run with a passive (index-tracking) management approach by BlackRock iShares.
How Do You Invest in the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked index | S&P 500 |
| Management style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing frequency | Decided by the index committee (quarterly) |
| Dividend frequency | Quarterly dividends |
| Total expense ratio | 0.03% |
| Issuer | BlackRock iShares |
The fund replicates the S&P 500 constituents at their index weights, so it tracks the performance of US large caps as a whole. Low turnover keeps trading-cost leakage small, and index rebalancing is automatically reflected each quarter according to committee decisions.
- A flagship product in BlackRock iShares' core lineup
- Ultra-low expense structure
- Broad large-cap diversification
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Expense Ratio)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $871.5B, and the total expense ratio is 0.03% per year.
Its fees are similar to those of VOO, which tracks the same S&P 500. Compared with SPY, its fees are lower, while SPY has the advantage in liquidity and the options market.
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeIt moves in step with US large caps as a whole and has trended upward over the long term. Short-term swings are affected by interest rates, earnings seasons, and moves in the heavily weighted Big Tech names.
Backed by demand for core holdings, it belongs to the group of mega ETFs that see steady inflows. In volatile markets it is seen as a safe means of diversification, and inflows can become especially pronounced.
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Pros and Cons
Its main strengths are the ultra-low expense ratio and broad diversification, while the large-cap concentration and currency exposure are drawbacks to consider in advance.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Alternatives and Related Products
VOO and SPY, shown in the table, are direct substitutes that track the same S&P 500. VOO and IVV carry similar fees, while SPY has the edge in liquidity. VTI offers exposure to the entire US market, including small and mid caps, and SPYM stands out for its even lower fees. You can also consider variants such as RSP, which holds the same S&P 500 on an equal-weighted basis, the growth-style IVW, the value-style IVE, and OEF, which concentrates on only the largest stocks.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VOO | Vanguard S&P 500 ETF | $691.32 | -0.5% | $1.04T | 0.03% | 1.07% | +10.3% |
 SPY | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | $752.10 | -0.5% | $796.9B | 0.09% | 1.01% | +10.3% |
 VTI | Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF | $370.00 | -0.4% | $688.8B | 0.03% | 1.07% | +10.3% |
 QQQ | Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 | $681.09 | -1.4% | $463.8B | 0.18% | 0.45% | +8.3% |
 SPYM | State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF | $88.52 | -0.5% | $181.8B | 0.02% | 1.03% | +10.3% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 0.15% | $202.06 | -1.3% | $4.87T | 25.5 | 0.39% |
| AAPL | Apple Inc | 0.13% | $338.32 | -1.8% | $4.94T | 38.8 | 0.34% |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 0.09% | $507.12 | -2.8% | $3.77T | 26.5 | 0.76% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 0.07% | $245.63 | +2.2% | $2.65T | 19.9 | - |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc | 0.03% | $278.04 | -0.1% | $3.41T | 14.5 | 0.31% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc | 0.03% | $278.99 | -0.3% | $3.40T | 14.6 | 0.31% |
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in IVV. Although it is a long-term core holding, it is advisable to double-check the expense ratio, top-holding concentration, and currency effects before buying, and to review your position size and diversification strategy at the same time.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense ratio | Check the impact of cumulative long-term costs | Among the lowest |
| 💧 Liquidity | Daily trading value and bid-ask spread | Ample |
| 📊 Top-holding concentration | Trend in Big Tech weightings | Heavy large-cap weighting |
| 💱 Exchange rate | Impact on returns converted to won | No currency hedge applied |
Large-cap concentration and exchange-rate swings are the main drivers of short-term volatility. During market crashes, even a core holding can suffer sizable short-term losses, so it is worth reviewing your position size and diversification strategy together.
It is regarded as a standard choice for a long-term core holding in the US market. If cost is the priority, IVV, VOO, and SPYM are suitable choices, and if liquidity and the options market matter more, SPY is the better fit.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of May 21, 2026.
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