IVV vs QQQU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. QQQU delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | QQQU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.98% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $76M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 10.09% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -1.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +23.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 45.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -53.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 7, 2024 |
IVV vs QQQU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X ETF (QQQU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while QQQU returned +23.12%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 1.29% for QQQU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.1% 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 -53.7% for QQQU. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while QQQU 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 1.10% against 10.09% for QQQU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and QQQU share 7 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or QQQU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while QQQU 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 QQQU?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +23.12% for QQQU, so QQQU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +41.35% for QQQU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or QQQU?
QQQU has been the more volatile fund at 45.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs QQQU -53.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and QQQU?
IVV and QQQU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and QQQU?
IVV and QQQU share 7 common holdings with a 30.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or QQQU?
IVV yields 1.10% while QQQU yields 10.09%, so QQQU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.