IVV vs SDS
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraShort S&P500
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 | SDS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.91% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $428M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 5.33% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 20 | |
| YTD Return | +13.43% | -20.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | -29.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | -28.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | -21.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 28.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -99.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 11, 2006 |
IVV vs SDS Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% while SDS returned -29.33%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.43% versus a loss of 20.05% for SDS.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.47% per year against -28.49% for SDS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and -21.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs -26.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -99.9% for SDS. 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 -0.96. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SDS charges 0.91%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $91 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 5.33% for SDS.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SDS 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 SDS?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SDS charges 0.91%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SDS?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.61% vs -29.33% for SDS, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.03% vs -26.33% for SDS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SDS?
SDS has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SDS -99.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and SDS?
IVV and SDS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.96, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SDS?
IVV and SDS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SDS?
IVV yields 1.09% while SDS yields 5.33%, so SDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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