IVV vs UTSL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | UTSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $41M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.55% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 40 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | -2.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | -3.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +22.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +5.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 47.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -79.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | May 3, 2017 |
IVV vs UTSL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Direxion Daily Utilities Bull 3X ETF (UTSL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% while UTSL returned -3.56%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.72% versus a loss of 2.26% for UTSL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.55% per year against +22.97% for UTSL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +5.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.7% 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 -79.5% for UTSL. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UTSL charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $97 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 1.55% for UTSL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and UTSL share 31 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or UTSL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UTSL charges 0.97%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or UTSL?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.64% vs -3.56% for UTSL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IVV annualized +7.04% vs +6.54% for UTSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UTSL?
UTSL has been the more volatile fund at 47.7% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UTSL -79.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and UTSL?
IVV and UTSL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and UTSL?
IVV and UTSL share 31 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or UTSL?
IVV yields 1.09% while UTSL yields 1.55%, so UTSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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