IVV vs SPUU
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPUU offers more diversification with 510 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SPUU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $297M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 1.35% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 510 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +21.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +38.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +37.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +17.90% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 30.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 28, 2014 |
IVV vs SPUU Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SPUU returned +38.81%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 21.60% for SPUU.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +37.31% for SPUU; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +17.90% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.62% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -59.4% for SPUU. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SPUU charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 1.35% for SPUU.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SPUU share 495 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 88.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SPUU?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPUU charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SPUU?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +38.81% for SPUU, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +18.62% for SPUU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SPUU?
SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SPUU -59.4%.
Should I hold both IVV and SPUU?
IVV and SPUU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SPUU?
IVV and SPUU share 495 common holdings with a 88.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SPUU?
IVV yields 1.10% while SPUU yields 1.35%, so SPUU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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