IVV vs NUGT
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. NUGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | NUGT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.13% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +115.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +91.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +34.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 97.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 8, 2010 |
IVV vs NUGT Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 2X ETF (NUGT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while NUGT returned +115.77%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.97% for NUGT.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +91.53% for NUGT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +34.07% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -31.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.8% 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 -100.0% for NUGT. 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 1.10% against 0.65% for NUGT.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and NUGT share 0 holdings out of 509 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 NUGT?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while NUGT charges 1.13%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or NUGT?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +115.77% for NUGT, so NUGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -31.45% for NUGT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or NUGT?
NUGT has been the more volatile fund at 97.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs NUGT -100.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and NUGT?
IVV and NUGT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and NUGT?
IVV and NUGT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or NUGT?
IVV yields 1.10% while NUGT yields 0.65%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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