IVV vs PSQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Short QQQ
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 | PSQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $799M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 4.56% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 17 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | -13.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | -18.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | -17.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | -12.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -98.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 19, 2006 |
IVV vs PSQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while PSQ returned -18.28%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a loss of 13.97% for PSQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against -17.79% for PSQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and -12.74% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs -17.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -98.4% for PSQ. 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 -0.89. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while PSQ charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 4.56% for PSQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and PSQ share 0 holdings out of 506 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 PSQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PSQ charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or PSQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs -18.28% for PSQ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs -17.25% for PSQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or PSQ?
PSQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PSQ -98.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and PSQ?
IVV and PSQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and PSQ?
IVV and PSQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PSQ?
IVV yields 1.09% while PSQ yields 4.56%, so PSQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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