IVV vs MEXX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. MEXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MEXX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.23% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.40% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +12.96% | +7.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +56.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +0.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 71.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -95.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 3, 2017 |
IVV vs MEXX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF (MEXX) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% while MEXX returned +56.74%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.96% versus a gain of 7.50% for MEXX.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.10% per year against +0.49% for MEXX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -6.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.6% 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 -56.5% for IVV and -95.8% for MEXX. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MEXX charges 1.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $123 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.40% for MEXX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MEXX share 0 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or MEXX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MEXX charges 1.23%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MEXX?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.70% vs +56.74% for MEXX, so MEXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.01% vs -6.95% for MEXX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MEXX?
MEXX has been the more volatile fund at 71.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MEXX -95.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and MEXX?
IVV and MEXX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MEXX?
IVV and MEXX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MEXX?
IVV yields 1.10% while MEXX yields 1.40%, so MEXX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.