IVV vs SEF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Short Financials
Which is better, IVV or SEF?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.84, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SEF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $13M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 3.47% |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +12.27%Best | +0.19% |
| 1Y Return | +17.04%Best | -0.43% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.24%Best | -11.88% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.08%Best | -6.96% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6%Best | 19.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1%Best | -96.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,490Best | $6,972 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 10, 2008 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 12, 2008 to Sep 17, 2026 (18.3 years).
IVV vs SEF growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.3 years both funds cover.
IVV vs SEF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +17.04% while SEF returned -0.43%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.27% versus a gain of 0.19% for SEF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.24% per year against -11.88% for SEF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.08% and -6.96% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +10.45% annualized vs -14.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% compared with 15.6% 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 -50.1% for IVV and -96.7% for SEF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.84. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SEF 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 1.06% against 3.47% for SEF.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 490 holdings in IVV and 1 in SEF, totalling 99.3% and 84.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 490 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 1 in SEF, against full books of 508 and 10.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and SEF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SEF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SEF charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or SEF?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.04% vs -0.43% for SEF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), IVV annualized +10.45% vs -14.22% for SEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or SEF?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.6% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -50.1% vs SEF -96.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and SEF?
IVV and SEF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.84, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SEF?
IVV yields 1.06% while SEF yields 3.47%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SEF better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.84, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.