IVV vs UST
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury
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 | UST | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 3.64% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.22% | -3.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | -0.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.17% | +1.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | -8.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -48.1% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 19, 2010 |
IVV vs UST Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Ultra 7-10 Year Treasury (UST) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% while UST returned -0.59%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.22% versus a loss of 3.35% for UST.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.17% per year against +1.94% for UST; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and -8.06% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +1.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.6% for UST. 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 -48.1% for UST. 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UST 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 3.64% for UST.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and UST 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 UST?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UST 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 UST?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.62% vs -0.59% for UST, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.02% vs +1.64% for UST. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UST?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.6% for UST. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UST -48.1%.
Should I hold both IVV and UST?
IVV and UST have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and UST?
IVV and UST share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or UST?
IVV yields 1.10% while UST yields 3.64%, so UST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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