EAGG vs SPY
EAGG vs SPY
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. EAGG offers more diversification with 4651 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EAGG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5,131 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.99% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.90% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.56% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EAGG vs SPY Performance
iShares ESG Aware US Aggregate Bond ETF (EAGG) 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 EAGG returned +1.99% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, EAGG is down 0.28% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, EAGG compounded at +3.90% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.56% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.15%. 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 5.6% for EAGG. 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 -19.4% for EAGG 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EAGG charges 0.10% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EAGG currently yields 3.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EAGG and SPY share 3 holdings out of 5151 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, EAGG or SPY?
EAGG has an expense ratio of 0.10% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EAGG or SPY?
Over the past year EAGG returned +1.99% vs +23.56% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), EAGG annualized +1.15% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EAGG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.6% for EAGG. Worst drawdown: EAGG -19.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EAGG and SPY?
EAGG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EAGG and SPY?
EAGG and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EAGG or SPY?
EAGG yields 3.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EAGG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.