IVV vs NUGT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF
Which is better, IVV or NUGT?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over the full window, NUGT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NUGT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 1.13% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $1.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 0.38% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.57%Best | -2.31% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57% | +43.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71% | +81.74%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80% | +30.66%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2%Best | 97.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,262 | $38,081Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 8, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 8, 2010 to Sep 10, 2026 (15.8 years).
IVV vs NUGT growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.8 years both funds cover.
IVV vs NUGT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while NUGT returned +43.86%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.57% versus a loss of 2.31% for NUGT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.71% per year against +81.74% for NUGT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and +30.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs -31.75%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.3% compared with 14.2% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.20. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while NUGT charges 1.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $113 annually, a gap of $110 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.06% against 0.38% for NUGT.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 4 in NUGT, totalling 100.0% and 109.3% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 4 in NUGT, against full books of 508 and 10.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and NUGT you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or NUGT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NUGT charges 1.13%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $110 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or NUGT?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs +43.86% for NUGT, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +12.78% vs -31.75% for NUGT. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or NUGT?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 97.3% annualized versus 14.2% for IVV.
Should I hold both IVV and NUGT?
IVV and NUGT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NUGT?
IVV yields 1.06% while NUGT yields 0.38%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is NUGT better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over the full window, NUGT over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.