ITOT vs IVV: Head-to-Head Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Differences Between ITOT and IVV

ITOT (iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF) is a us total market fund managed by BlackRock. ITOT tracks the S&P Total Market Index, providing exposure to the entire U.S. stock market including large, mid, small, and micro-cap companies in a single fund. With over 2,500 holdings, it captures virtually all investable U.S. stocks at an ultra-low expense ratio. This fund is an ideal core holding for investors who want complete U.S. equity market coverage without worrying about which size segment to favor.

IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) is a u.s. large-cap blend fund managed by BlackRock. IVV tracks the S&P 500 index, offering exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. companies at one of the lowest costs available. It is a core building block for any portfolio, providing broad diversification across all major sectors of the American economy. Beginners appreciate IVV for its simplicity, rock-bottom fees, and strong long-term performance history.

The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (2,500 vs 503), and 5-year returns (13.50% vs 15.70%).

Holdings Overlap Analysis

ITOT and IVV share 100% of their top holdings. This means they are very similar funds — owning both would result in significant duplication in your portfolio. For most beginners, choosing one is sufficient.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.

Which One Should a Beginner Choose?

Choose ITOT if: You want core portfolio builders wanting total u.s. market exposure at rock-bottom cost, investors who prefer ishares over vanguard for their total market allocation, simple three-fund portfolio strategies pairing u.s., international, and bonds. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Choose IVV if: You want investors seeking a low-cost core holding that mirrors the entire large-cap u.s. market, retirement savers building a simple three-fund portfolio, anyone who wants an alternative to voo with a slightly longer track record. It's managed by BlackRock with an expense ratio of 0.03%.

Can You Own Both ITOT and IVV?

With 100% holdings overlap, owning both means you're essentially doubling down on the same stocks. For beginners, we recommend picking one to keep things simple. If you want more diversification, consider pairing your choice with an international ETF like VXUS or a bond ETF like BND instead.

Frequently Asked Questions