IVV vs TQQQ
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraPro QQQ
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. TQQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | TQQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.82% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $38.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 128 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +36.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +65.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | +57.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +16.08% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 55.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -81.7% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 9, 2010 |
IVV vs TQQQ Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while TQQQ returned +65.64%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 36.49% for TQQQ.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.08% per year against +57.14% for TQQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.96% and +16.08% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, TQQQ has the edge at +42.46% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.2% 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 -81.7% for TQQQ. 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 0.92. 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 TQQQ charges 0.82%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $82 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.58% for TQQQ.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and TQQQ share 87 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or TQQQ?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while TQQQ charges 0.82%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or TQQQ?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +65.64% for TQQQ, so TQQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +42.46% for TQQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or TQQQ?
TQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 55.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs TQQQ -81.7%.
Should I hold both IVV and TQQQ?
IVV and TQQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 TQQQ?
IVV and TQQQ share 87 common holdings with a 28.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or TQQQ?
IVV yields 1.10% while TQQQ yields 0.58%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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