IVV vs PALU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. PALU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PALU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.08% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $38M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 4.08% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +206.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +172.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 132.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -62.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 26, 2025 |
IVV vs PALU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF (PALU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while PALU returned +172.51%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 206.80% for PALU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PALU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 132.9% 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 -62.2% for PALU. 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PALU charges 1.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $108 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 4.08% for PALU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PALU share 1 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in PALU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANW | 0.43% | 23.80% | 23.37% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PALU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PALU charges 1.08%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PALU?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +172.51% for PALU, so PALU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +87.25% for PALU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PALU?
PALU has been the more volatile fund at 132.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PALU -62.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and PALU?
IVV and PALU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PALU?
IVV and PALU share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PALU?
IVV yields 1.10% while PALU yields 4.08%, so PALU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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