IVV vs SQQQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ
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 | SQQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $1.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 9.13% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 20 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | -42.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | -55.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | -54.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | -44.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 48.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 9, 2010 |
IVV vs SQQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraPro Short QQQ (SQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SQQQ returned -55.32%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a loss of 42.05% for SQQQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against -54.21% for SQQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and -44.93% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs -52.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.4% 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 -100.0% for SQQQ. 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 -0.87. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 1.10% against 9.13% for SQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SQQQ 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 SQQQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SQQQ charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SQQQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs -55.32% for SQQQ, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs -52.76% for SQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SQQQ?
SQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 48.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SQQQ -100.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and SQQQ?
IVV and SQQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SQQQ?
IVV and SQQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SQQQ?
IVV yields 1.10% while SQQQ yields 9.13%, so SQQQ 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.