IVV vs SZK
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples
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 | SZK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | -18.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | -8.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | -9.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | -4.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 27.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -99.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 30, 2007 |
IVV vs SZK Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples (SZK) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SZK returned -8.53%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a loss of 18.93% for SZK.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against -9.65% for SZK; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and -4.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.00% annualized vs -20.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SZK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.5% 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 -99.5% for SZK. 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 -0.78. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SZK 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 2.79% for SZK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SZK?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SZK 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 SZK?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs -8.53% for SZK, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs -20.73% for SZK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SZK?
SZK has been the more volatile fund at 27.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SZK -99.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SZK?
IVV and SZK have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SZK?
IVV yields 1.10% while SZK yields 2.79%, so SZK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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