Core Insights - The article compares two ETFs, SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), highlighting their differences in cost, scale, performance, and portfolio composition to guide investors in their decision-making process [1][2] Cost and Size - SPYM has a lower expense ratio of 0.02% compared to IVV's 0.03%, making it slightly more affordable for investors [3][8] - Both ETFs have identical dividend yields of 1.13% and have shown the same 1-year return of 16.8% as of January 3, 2025 [3] - IVV has significantly higher assets under management (AUM) at $733 billion compared to SPYM's $97 billion, providing greater liquidity [3][9] Performance and Risk Comparison - Over a 5-year period, a $1,000 investment would have grown to $1,829 in SPYM and $1,828 in IVV, indicating nearly identical performance [4] - The maximum drawdown for SPYM is -24.49% while IVV's is -24.50%, showing comparable risk profiles [4] Portfolio Composition - IVV holds 503 U.S. large-cap stocks, with 35% in technology, 13% in financial services, and 11% in communication services, featuring top holdings like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [5] - SPYM has a similar sector allocation and top holdings as IVV, designed for broad, low-cost exposure to the S&P 500 without unique overlays [6][7]