IVV vs SMU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily 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 | SMU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.30% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $56M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | -55.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | -93.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 174.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -98.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Tradr ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 10, 2025 |
IVV vs SMU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while SMU returned -93.91%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a loss of 55.40% for SMU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 174.9% 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 -98.2% for SMU. 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMU charges 1.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $130 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.00% for SMU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMU 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 SMU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMU charges 1.30%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMU?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs -93.91% for SMU, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs -93.99% for SMU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMU?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 174.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMU -98.2%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMU?
IVV and SMU have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMU?
IVV and SMU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMU?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMU yields 0.00%, so IVV 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.