IVV vs SMST
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SMST delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SMST | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.31% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $24M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -37.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +142.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 180.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -99.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 20, 2024 |
IVV vs SMST Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SMST returned +142.05%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 37.21% for SMST.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 180.6% 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 -99.3% for SMST. 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 -0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMST charges 1.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $131 annually, a gap of $128 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SMST.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMST 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 SMST?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMST charges 1.31%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $128 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMST?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +142.05% for SMST, so SMST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs -83.15% for SMST. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMST?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 180.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMST -99.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMST?
IVV and SMST have a monthly-return correlation of -0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMST?
IVV and SMST share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMST?
IVV yields 1.09% while SMST yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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