CMBS vs SPY
CMBS vs SPY
iShares CMBS ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CMBS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $473M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 467 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.27% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.47% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.60% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CMBS vs SPY Performance
iShares CMBS ETF (CMBS) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CMBS returned +3.27% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, CMBS is up 0.12% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, CMBS compounded at +5.47% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.60% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +0.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.9% for CMBS. 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 -16.4% for CMBS and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CMBS charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CMBS currently yields 3.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CMBS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 947 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CMBS or SPY?
CMBS has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CMBS or SPY?
Over the past year CMBS returned +3.27% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CMBS annualized +0.83% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CMBS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.9% for CMBS. Worst drawdown: CMBS -16.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CMBS and SPY?
CMBS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CMBS and SPY?
CMBS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 947 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CMBS or SPY?
CMBS yields 3.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CMBS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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