Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: IVVMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIVVSBBWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.95%
AUM$865.2B$3M
Dividend Yield1.09%3.80%
Holdings5085
YTD Return+13.80%-17.21%
1Y Return+23.70%-23.97%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.49%-10.48%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.43%-6.57%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%21.4%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-97.4%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)ProShares
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionMay 15, 2000Jan 23, 2007

IVV vs SBB Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Short SmallCap600 (SBB) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while SBB returned -23.97%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 17.21% for SBB.

Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against -10.48% for SBB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and -6.57% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -14.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SBB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -97.4% for SBB. 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 -0.78. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IVV charges 0.03% per year while SBB 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 3.80% for SBB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IVV or SBB?

IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SBB 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 SBB?

Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs -23.97% for SBB, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs -14.70% for SBB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IVV or SBB?

SBB has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SBB -97.4%.

Should I hold both IVV and SBB?

IVV and SBB have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SBB?

IVV yields 1.09% while SBB yields 3.80%, so SBB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.