IVV vs SMCY
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy 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 | SMCY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.01% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $135M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 180.22% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 18 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | +10.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | -19.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 73.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 11, 2024 |
IVV vs SMCY Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while SMCY returned -19.69%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a gain of 10.94% for SMCY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.0% 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 -64.8% for SMCY. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMCY charges 1.01%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $101 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 180.22% for SMCY.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMCY share 0 holdings out of 508 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 SMCY?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMCY charges 1.01%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMCY?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs -19.69% for SMCY, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs -19.48% for SMCY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMCY?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 73.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMCY -64.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMCY?
IVV and SMCY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMCY?
IVV and SMCY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMCY?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMCY yields 180.22%, so SMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.