IVV vs SMDD
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs UltraPro Short MidCap400
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 | SMDD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.11% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | -38.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | -47.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | -37.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | -30.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 52.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 9, 2010 |
IVV vs SMDD Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while SMDD returned -47.75%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a loss of 38.60% for SMDD.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against -37.28% for SMDD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and -30.83% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -40.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.4% 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 -100.0% for SMDD. 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 -0.82. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMDD 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 6.11% for SMDD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMDD?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMDD 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 SMDD?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs -47.75% for SMDD, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs -40.38% for SMDD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMDD?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMDD -100.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMDD?
IVV and SMDD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMDD?
IVV yields 1.09% while SMDD yields 6.11%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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