IVV vs UYG
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares Ultra Financials
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 | UYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.94% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $856M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 11.14% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 89 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +8.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.14% | +12.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +34.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.00% | +13.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 41.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -98.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jan 30, 2007 |
IVV vs UYG Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% while UYG returned +12.61%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.76% versus a gain of 8.74% for UYG.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.69% per year against +34.64% for UYG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.00% and +13.55% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +6.99% annualized vs +0.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% 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 -98.0% for UYG. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while UYG charges 0.94%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $94 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 11.14% for UYG.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and UYG share 74 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or UYG?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while UYG charges 0.94%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or UYG?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.14% vs +12.61% for UYG, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +6.99% vs +0.28% for UYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or UYG?
UYG has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs UYG -98.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and UYG?
IVV and UYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and UYG?
IVV and UYG share 74 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or UYG?
IVV yields 1.10% while UYG yields 11.14%, so UYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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