IVV vs PILL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. PILL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | PILL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.98% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.38% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 64 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | +70.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +223.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +29.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +1.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 60.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -88.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 15, 2017 |
IVV vs PILL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF (PILL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while PILL returned +223.89%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a gain of 70.93% for PILL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against +29.67% for PILL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +1.06% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs -1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PILL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.2% 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 -88.9% for PILL. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PILL charges 0.98%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $98 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.38% for PILL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PILL share 7 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or PILL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PILL charges 0.98%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PILL?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs +223.89% for PILL, so PILL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs -1.21% for PILL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PILL?
PILL has been the more volatile fund at 60.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PILL -88.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and PILL?
IVV and PILL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PILL?
IVV and PILL share 7 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PILL?
IVV yields 1.09% while PILL yields 0.38%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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