IVV vs SEF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Short Financials
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 | SEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.25% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -3.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | -7.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | -12.84% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | -7.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -96.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jun 10, 2008 |
IVV vs SEF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Short Financials (SEF) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% while SEF returned -7.73%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 3.63% for SEF.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.77% per year against -12.84% for SEF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and -7.45% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -14.48%. 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 15.1% 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 -96.7% for SEF. 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 -0.84. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 1.09% against 3.25% for SEF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SEF 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 SEF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SEF 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 SEF?
Over the past year IVV returned +23.01% vs -7.73% for SEF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs -14.48% for SEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SEF?
SEF has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SEF -96.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and SEF?
IVV and SEF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SEF?
IVV and SEF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SEF?
IVV yields 1.09% while SEF yields 3.25%, so SEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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