IVV vs UGL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Ultra Gold
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. UGL delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | UGL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $653M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -9.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +43.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +52.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +28.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 33.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -75.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Dec 1, 2008 |
IVV vs UGL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Ultra Gold (UGL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while UGL returned +43.54%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 9.18% for UGL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +52.94% for UGL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +28.76% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, UGL has the edge at +12.62% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.2% 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 -75.9% for UGL. 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UGL 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 1.09% against 0.00% for UGL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and UGL 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 UGL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UGL 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 UGL?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +43.54% for UGL, so UGL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +12.62% for UGL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UGL?
UGL has been the more volatile fund at 33.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UGL -75.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and UGL?
IVV and UGL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and UGL?
IVV and UGL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or UGL?
IVV yields 1.09% while UGL yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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