FAS vs IVV
Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.05% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +9.99% | +12.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.60% | +20.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.54% | +21.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +12.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2008 | May 15, 2000 |
FAS vs IVV Performance
Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X ETF (FAS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FAS returned +16.60% while IVV returned +20.63%. Year to date, FAS is up 9.99% versus a gain of 12.76% for IVV.
Over three years, FAS compounded at +47.54% per year against +21.71% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +12.87% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, FAS has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.6% 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 -94.8% for FAS and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAS charges 0.88% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAS currently yields 8.05% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FAS and IVV share 73 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAS or IVV?
FAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAS or IVV?
Over the past year FAS returned +16.60% vs +20.63% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), FAS annualized +11.11% vs +6.99% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAS or IVV?
FAS has been the more volatile fund at 57.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FAS -94.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FAS and IVV?
FAS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAS and IVV?
FAS and IVV share 73 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAS or IVV?
FAS yields 8.05% while IVV yields 1.10%, so FAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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