IVV vs LABU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. LABU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | LABU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.96% | |
| AUM | $886.7B | $569M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 165 | |
| YTD Return | +12.92% | +88.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.22% | +291.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.95% | +42.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.76% | -25.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 85.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -99.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 28, 2015 |
IVV vs LABU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X ETF (LABU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.22% while LABU returned +291.33%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.92% versus a gain of 88.13% for LABU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.95% per year against +42.05% for LABU; over five years the annualized figures are +12.76% and -25.63% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs -18.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LABU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 85.4% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -99.2% for LABU. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while LABU charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $96 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.45% for LABU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and LABU share 8 holdings out of 648 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or LABU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while LABU charges 0.96%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or LABU?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.22% vs +291.33% for LABU, so LABU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs -18.68% for LABU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or LABU?
LABU has been the more volatile fund at 85.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs LABU -99.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and LABU?
IVV and LABU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and LABU?
IVV and LABU share 8 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or LABU?
IVV yields 1.10% while LABU yields 0.45%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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