IVV vs SZK
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples
Which is better, IVV or SZK?
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 -0.78, 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 | SZK |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $876.4B | $5M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.77% |
| Holdings | 508 | 4 |
| YTD Return | +12.51%Best | -13.59% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | -7.32% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27%Best | -8.19% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95%Best | -3.18% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5%Best | 27.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,384Best | $8,508 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 30, 2007 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 1, 2007 to Sep 11, 2026 (19.6 years).
IVV vs SZK 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 19.6 years both funds cover.
IVV vs SZK Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples (SZK) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% while SZK returned -7.32%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.51% versus a loss of 13.59% for SZK.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.27% per year against -8.19% for SZK; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and -3.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs -20.42%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SZK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.4% compared with 15.5% 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 -0.78. 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 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 1.06% against 2.77% for SZK.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IVV and SZK 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 SZK?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SZK charges 0.95%. IVV is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IVV or SZK?
Over the past year IVV returned +17.57% vs -7.32% for SZK, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +9.30% vs -20.42% for SZK. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IVV or SZK?
SZK has been the more volatile fund at 27.4% annualized versus 15.5% for IVV.
Should I hold both IVV and SZK?
IVV and SZK have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, 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 SZK?
IVV yields 1.06% while SZK yields 2.77%, so SZK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SZK 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 -0.78, 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.