IVV vs VSTL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST 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 | VSTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -40.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | -66.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 44.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -72.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Jul 21, 2025 |
IVV vs VSTL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while VSTL returned -66.80%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 40.99% for VSTL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.0% 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 -72.0% for VSTL. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VSTL charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $129 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for VSTL.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VSTL share 1 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IVV | Weight in VSTL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VST | 0.08% | 24.71% | 24.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VSTL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSTL charges 1.29%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VSTL?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs -66.80% for VSTL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs -59.49% for VSTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VSTL?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 44.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VSTL -72.0%.
Should I hold both IVV and VSTL?
IVV and VSTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and VSTL?
IVV and VSTL share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VSTL?
IVV yields 1.09% while VSTL yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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