IVV vs. SPXL

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) and SPXL (Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IVV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while SPXL is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IVV returned 15.22%/yr vs 29.04%/yr for SPXL. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. IVV charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for SPXL.

Performance

IVV vs. SPXL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IVV achieves a 11.32% return, which is significantly lower than SPXL's 26.88% return. Over the past 10 years, IVV has underperformed SPXL with an annualized return of 15.22%, while SPXL has yielded a comparatively higher 29.04% annualized return.

IVV

• 1D: 0.43%
• 1M: 0.27%
• 6M: 9.94%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 1Y: 22.79%
• 3Y*: 20.46%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 15.22%

SPXL

• 1D: 1.12%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 22.76%
• YTD: 26.88%
• 1Y: 59.21%
• 3Y*: 45.39%
• 5Y*: 21.63%
• 10Y*: 29.04%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

IVV vs. SPXL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	11.32%	17.85%	24.93%	26.31%	-18.16%	28.76%	18.40%	31.07%	-4.49%	21.75%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	26.88%	31.94%	63.61%	69.49%	-56.55%	98.75%	9.64%	102.80%	-25.11%	71.03%

Correlation

The correlation between IVV and SPXL is 1.00 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2008	1.00

The correlation between IVV and SPXL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 1.00 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

IVV vs. SPXL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IVV	SPXL
Technology	39.0%	39.0%
Financial Services	11.1%	11.1%
Communication Services	10.6%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	9.9%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.3%
Industrials	7.8%	7.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.5%
Energy	3.1%	3.1%
Utilities	2.1%	2.1%
Real Estate	1.8%	1.8%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.7%

Return for Risk

IVV vs. SPXL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

IVV

IVV Risk / Return Rank: 70
IVV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
IVV Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
IVV Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IVV Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IVV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

SPXL

SPXL Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPXL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SPXL Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
SPXL Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SPXL Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPXL Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

IVV vs. SPXL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	IVV	SPXL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.58	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	2.07	+0.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.27	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.22	+0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.20	8.78	+2.42

IVV vs. SPXL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IVV Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the SPXL Sharpe Ratio of 1.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IVV and SPXL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

IVV vs. SPXL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IVV drawdown since its inception was -55.25%, smaller than the maximum SPXL drawdown of -76.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IVV and SPXL.

Drawdown Indicators

	IVV	SPXL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.25%	-76.86%	+21.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.89%	-26.77%	+17.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.75%	-48.95%	+30.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.53%	-63.80%	+39.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.90%	-76.86%	+42.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.35%	-3.05%	+2.70%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.74%	-16.06%	+5.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	6.76%	-4.72%

Volatility

IVV vs. SPXL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is 4.02%, while Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF (SPXL) has a volatility of 11.84%. This indicates that IVV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPXL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IVV	SPXL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	11.84%	-7.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	30.05%	-20.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.58%	37.67%	-25.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.01%	50.60%	-33.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.04%	53.39%	-35.35%

IVV vs. SPXL - Expense Ratio Comparison

IVV has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SPXL's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

IVV vs. SPXL - Dividend Comparison

IVV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, more than SPXL's 0.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF	1.08%	1.17%	1.30%	1.44%	1.66%	1.20%	1.57%	1.85%	2.21%	1.75%	2.01%	2.27%
SPXL Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 3X ETF	0.51%	0.69%	0.74%	0.98%	0.32%	0.11%	0.22%	0.84%	1.02%	3.88%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IVV and SPXL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, IVV and SPXL move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IVV or SPXL?

SPXL has higher volatility (11.84%) compared to IVV (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IVV dropped -55.25% vs SPXL's -76.86%.

Which ETF is better, IVV or SPXL?

On 10-year performance, SPXL leads with 29.04% vs 15.22% for IVV. On fees, IVV is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, IVV has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IVV or SPXL?

Over the 10-year period, SPXL has performed better with a 29.04% return vs 15.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IVV or SPXL?

IVV is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for SPXL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IVV or SPXL?

IVV has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 0.51% for SPXL.

What is the main difference between IVV and SPXL?

IVV is categorized as S&P 500, while SPXL is Leveraged Equities. IVV tracks S&P 500 Index, while SPXL tracks S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Direxion. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for IVV and 0.84% for SPXL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IVV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.58), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.