IVV vs ULTY
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF
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 | ULTY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.30% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $760M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 67.28% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +13.51% | +6.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.65% | -6.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.94% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -26.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | YieldMax ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Feb 28, 2024 |
IVV vs ULTY Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (ULTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% while ULTY returned -6.35%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.51% versus a gain of 6.72% for ULTY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ULTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -26.9% for ULTY. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while ULTY charges 1.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $130 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 67.28% for ULTY.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and ULTY share 13 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ULTY?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ULTY charges 1.30%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ULTY?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.65% vs -6.35% for ULTY, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +2.75% for ULTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ULTY?
ULTY has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ULTY -26.9%.
Should I hold both IVV and ULTY?
IVV and ULTY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and ULTY?
IVV and ULTY share 13 common holdings with a 11.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ULTY?
IVV yields 1.10% while ULTY yields 67.28%, so ULTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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