IVV vs MST
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | MST | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.31% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.43% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 13 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | -73.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | -95.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 107.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -97.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 1, 2025 |
IVV vs MST Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF (MST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while MST returned -95.96%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a loss of 73.08% for MST.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 107.3% 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 -97.7% for MST. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while MST charges 1.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $131 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 3.43% for MST.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and MST share 0 holdings out of 508 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 MST?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while MST charges 1.31%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or MST?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs -95.96% for MST, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs -92.24% for MST. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or MST?
MST has been the more volatile fund at 107.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs MST -97.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and MST?
IVV and MST have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and MST?
IVV and MST share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or MST?
IVV yields 1.09% while MST yields 3.43%, so MST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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