IVV vs SOXL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SOXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SOXL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $24.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.01% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +155.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +375.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +78.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +23.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 87.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -90.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Mar 11, 2010 |
IVV vs SOXL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF (SOXL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SOXL returned +375.74%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 155.29% for SOXL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +78.72% for SOXL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +23.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXL has the edge at +37.43% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.7% 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 -90.5% for SOXL. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SOXL charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $75 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.01% for SOXL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SOXL share 17 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SOXL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SOXL charges 0.75%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SOXL?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +375.74% for SOXL, so SOXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +37.43% for SOXL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SOXL?
SOXL has been the more volatile fund at 87.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SOXL -90.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SOXL?
IVV and SOXL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SOXL?
IVV and SOXL share 17 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SOXL?
IVV yields 1.10% while SOXL yields 0.01%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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