IVV vs ZVOL
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus 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 | ZVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.42% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 74.79% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.29% | -15.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | -7.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | -0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 55.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Volatility Shares, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 22, 2024 |
IVV vs ZVOL Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is a ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% while ZVOL returned -7.34%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.29% versus a loss of 15.49% for ZVOL.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +22.19% per year against -0.67% for ZVOL. Across the full 3-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.3% 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 -64.5% for ZVOL. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $142 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 74.79% for ZVOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or ZVOL?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or ZVOL?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.79% vs -7.34% for ZVOL, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IVV annualized +7.06% vs +7.03% for ZVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 55.3% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and ZVOL?
IVV and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or ZVOL?
IVV yields 1.10% while ZVOL yields 74.79%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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