IVV vs RETL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | RETL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.96% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $27M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.49% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 82 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -9.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | -9.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | +7.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | -26.97% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 70.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -92.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 14, 2010 |
IVV vs RETL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while RETL returned -9.41%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 9.02% for RETL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.81% per year against +7.59% for RETL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and -26.97% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RETL has the edge at +12.68% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.5% 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 -92.0% for RETL. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while RETL charges 0.96%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $96 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.49% for RETL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and RETL share 17 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or RETL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while RETL charges 0.96%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or RETL?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs -9.41% for RETL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +12.68% for RETL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or RETL?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs RETL -92.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and RETL?
IVV and RETL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and RETL?
IVV and RETL share 17 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or RETL?
IVV yields 1.10% while RETL yields 0.49%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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