What exactly is IVW and how does it differ from a general market fund?

IVW is the iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF, categorized as Large Growth. It tracks an index focused on growth-style equities. The fund launched on 22 May 2000. Unlike broader market funds, it excludes value-oriented diversification. Investors choose IVW for exposure to growth stocks specifically. Its top holdings include NVDA and MSFT. It is not a general market fund. Understand that its strategy is to track growth specifically within the S&P 500 universe.

What defines VOO and what category does it fall under?

VOO is the S&P 500 Vanguard ETF, classified as Large Blend. It aims to track the S&P 500. This means it holds stocks across different styles and sizes within that specific index. Launched on 7 September 2010, it provides broad exposure. Unlike growth-only funds, it includes value-oriented stocks as well. It is often the default choice for US large-cap exposure. Its structure reflects the entire market cap of the S&P 500, not just one style.

What is the difference in fees between IVW and VOO?

There is a clear difference in expense ratios. IVW charges 0.18% annually, while VOO charges 0.03%. This results in a fee difference of 0.15 percentage points. Fees are deducted from fund assets. Lower fees generally allow for higher compounding over time. It is important for beginners to check these figures in the prospectus. High asset turnover may also create additional costs not visible in the headline fee. Comparing fees is one of the first steps in evaluation.

Do IVW and VOO hold the same top companies?

Yes, there is significant overlap in the top holdings. Both IVW and VOO include NVDA, MSFT, AAPL, GOOGL, AVGO, GOOG, META, AMZN, MU, and TSLA in their lists. However, the weights differ. For example, IVW holds NVDA at 14.80%, while VOO holds it at 8.08%. This is because IVW tracks a growth index, while VOO tracks the broader blend. The overlap suggests that both funds are exposed to similar mega-cap tech giants.

What are the total assets in IVW and VOO?

Both funds manage very large sums of money. IVW holds 77.2 billion in net assets. This provides good liquidity for trading. VOO is significantly larger, managing 1.08 trillion. High assets in VOO often result in tighter bid-ask spreads during trading. While 77.2 billion is substantial, the scale of 1.08 trillion represents a major global asset pool. Beginners should know that assets under management can affect liquidity and arbitrage efficiency in the ETF market.

How much do IVW and VOO pay in dividends?

Dividend yields differ between the two. IVW pays a yield of 0.34%. VOO pays a yield of 1.03%. This reflects the underlying companies held by each fund. Growth-oriented stocks often pay less dividends as they reinvest earnings. The higher 1.03% in VOO suggests more capital return to shareholders. However, dividends are not guaranteed. Yield alone does not indicate total return. Investors should consider tax implications if holding in a taxable account, especially with higher yields.

How long have IVW and VOO been available to investors?

The inception dates are different. IVW launched on 22 May 2000. This gives it over two decades of operational history. VOO launched later, on 7 September 2010. A longer history does not always mean better performance. However, it provides more data for risk analysis. Investors should check performance over different market cycles. Be aware that the S&P 500 itself has changed since 2000, as have growth definitions. Track record is one factor in fund selection.

Which companies are top holdings in IVW and what risks do they carry?

IVW's top holdings are heavily concentrated in mega-cap tech. NVDA is the largest at 14.80%, followed by MSFT at 10.09%. Other major positions include AAPL, GOOGL, AVGO, and GOOG. High concentration means performance is driven by a few large companies. If NVDA or MSFT perform poorly, the fund suffers. This introduces idiosyncratic risk compared to a more diversified portfolio. Sector weightings for IVW are listed as not available in the current data.

Why might VOO's dividend yield affect a growth-focused investor?

VOO pays 1.03% versus IVW's 0.34%. For growth-focused investors, lower yields like IVW's can be preferable in taxable accounts. This is because they might prefer to reinvest earnings into company growth rather than receive distributions. Dividends are paid out to shareholders. If you want to maximize compounding in a tax-efficient manner, a low yield like 0.34% might be advantageous, though this is just a general observation, not advice. Check your tax situation.

What does 'large growth' actually mean in investing?

Large growth refers to companies that are expected to increase their earnings at a faster rate than the average company. IVW tracks this specific style. These companies often trade at higher valuations because of expected future earnings. VOO is a large blend, meaning it captures a mix of growth and value. Growth stocks can be more volatile. During economic downturns, they may drop significantly. Conversely, in strong economies, they often lead the market. Understanding the definition helps match funds to your goals.

How do ETFs track an index and what does that imply for IVW and VOO?

ETFs typically track an index using a full replication strategy or sampling. IVW states it uses full replication. This means it holds every stock in its target growth index. VOO tracks the S&P 500. The implication is that the fund is designed to match the performance of the underlying index minus fees. If you hold VOO, you are buying the entire US large-cap blend. If you hold IVW, you are buying only the growth part of the S&P 500.

What should beginners understand about comparing fees in ETFs?

When comparing IVW at 0.18% and VOO at 0.03%, look beyond just the number. Check what services are provided. Vanguard and iShares are established providers with high assets under management. Lower fees, such as VOO's 0.03%, are generally good for long-term holding. Remember that the fee applies to your entire investment. If your portfolio grows, the fee grows in dollar terms. The difference in percentage points matters significantly over decades. This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.

IVW vs VOO

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare IVW (iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF) and VOO (S&P 500 Vanguard ETF). This page examines fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market, using data from Yahoo Finance. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IVW

Metric

VOO

0.18%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

0.34%

Dividend Yield

1.03%

$77.16B

Net Assets

$1.08T

155

Holdings

516

May 22, 2000

Inception Date

Sep 7, 2010

–

Index Tracked

–

Large Growth

Fund Category

Large Blend

VOO costs about $15.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	IVW	VOO
NVDANVIDIA Corporation	14.80%	8.08%
MSFTMicrosoft Corporation	10.09%	5.70%
AAPLApple Inc.	6.75%	7.03%
GOOGLAlphabet Inc.	5.64%	3.01%
AVGOBroadcom Inc.	4.68%	2.65%
GOOGAlphabet Inc.	4.50%	2.40%
METAMeta Platforms, Inc.	4.04%	1.90%
AMZNAmazon.com, Inc.	3.63%	3.84%
MUMicron Technology, Inc.	3.16%	1.63%

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Investment Analysis

IVW

Pros

Tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index via a full-replication strategy, aligning with the fund's stated large-growth mandate.
Holds $77.2 billion in assets, ensuring deep liquidity and efficient arbitrage within the US-listed ETF framework.
Maintains a low dividend yield of 0.34%, which aligns with tax-efficient growth-seeking investor objectives.

Considerations

Charges a 0.18% expense ratio, which is materially higher than broader S&P 500 alternatives available.
Exhibits heavy concentration in NVDA and MSFT, which introduces elevated single-stock idiosyncratic risk.
Invests exclusively in growth-style equities, meaning the portfolio lacks value-oriented diversification.

VOO

Pros

Imposes a 0.03% expense ratio, representing one of the most cost-efficient structures for US large-cap exposure.
Manages $1.08 trillion in assets, ensuring exceptional liquidity and ultra-tight bid-ask spreads during trading hours.
Uses a large-blend mandate to capture all market capitalisation segments within the S&P 500.

Considerations

Yields a 1.03% annual dividend, which may be less tax-efficient for growth-focused investors.
Launched in September 2010, meaning the track record is shorter than legacy large-cap equity products.
Reflects the S&P 500's market-cap-weighted design, which concentrates exposure into mega-cap technology stocks.

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About IVW and VOO

IVW (IVW)

The iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF offers investors exposure to a curated selection of US large-cap companies that exhibit strong growth characteristics. Designed for those seeking capital appreciation, this fund focuses on businesses expected to achieve above-average revenue and earnings growth. With an inception date of May 22, 2000, it has a long history of tracking growth-oriented market segments. The fund holds approximately 155 assets, maintaining a relatively concentrated portfolio compared to broader market indices. Its expense ratio stands at 0.18%, providing a cost-effective way to access this specific factor. While it currently offers a modest dividend yield of 0.34%, the primary objective remains growth rather than income. Investors should note that while net assets are substantial at USD 77.16 billion, the value of these growth stocks can fluctuate significantly, and past performance does not guarantee future returns.

VOO (VOO)

VOO is Vanguard’s exchange-traded fund designed to track the S&P 500 Index, offering broad exposure to about 500 of the largest publicly traded US companies. It aims to replicate the index’s performance minus fees by holding the same stocks in similar proportions, making it a straightforward, passive way to access large‑cap US equities. Investors commonly use VOO as a core holding for long‑term growth or as a simple building block in a diversified portfolio. It typically offers high liquidity and regular dividend distributions from underlying companies. As with any equity investment, VOO’s value can rise or fall with the market, and past performance is not a guide to future returns. Fees, trading costs and potential tracking error reduce returns slightly. This information is general and educational only and not personalised financial advice — consider your own circumstances or speak to a qualified adviser before investing.

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IVW vs VOO

Fund Snapshot