IVV vs SQQQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ
Which is better, IVV or SQQQ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.87, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SQQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $2.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 10.38% |
| Holdings | 508 | 20 |
| YTD Return | +11.57%Best | -40.75% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | -50.19% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71%Best | -52.13% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80%Best | -44.35% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 48.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,262Best | $534 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 9, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 11, 2010 to Sep 10, 2026 (16.6 years).
IVV vs SQQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.6 years both funds cover.
IVV vs SQQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while SQQQ returned -50.19%. Year to date, IVV is up 11.57% versus a loss of 40.75% for SQQQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +20.71% per year against -52.13% for SQQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and -44.35% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +13.00% annualized vs -52.58%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.3% compared with 14.4% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.87. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SQQQ 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 1.06% against 10.38% for SQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 505 holdings in IVV and 1 in SQQQ, totalling 100.0% and 66.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 505 positions we hold weights for in IVV and 1 in SQQQ, against full books of 508 and 20.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and SQQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SQQQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SQQQ charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or SQQQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs -50.19% for SQQQ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +13.00% vs -52.58% for SQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or SQQQ?
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 48.3% annualized versus 14.4% for IVV.
Should I hold both IVV and SQQQ?
IVV and SQQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.87, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SQQQ?
IVV yields 1.06% while SQQQ yields 10.38%, so SQQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SQQQ better than IVV?
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.87, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.