IGE vs SPY
IGE vs SPY
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IGE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $744M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.88% | +13.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.85% | +23.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.95% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.29% | +13.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IGE vs SPY Performance
iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) 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 IGE returned +35.85% while SPY returned +23.56%. Year to date, IGE is up 17.88% versus a gain of 13.50% for SPY.
Over three years, IGE compounded at +15.95% per year against +21.17% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.29% and +13.46% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IGE has the edge at +14.36% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -72.3% for IGE 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGE charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGE currently yields 2.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IGE and SPY share 31 holdings out of 623 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IGE | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 9.42% | 0.87% | 8.55% |
| CVX | 8.89% | 0.49% | 8.40% |
| COP | 3.57% | 0.19% | 3.38% |
| NEM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MPC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IGE shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGE or SPY?
IGE has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGE or SPY?
Over the past year IGE returned +35.85% vs +23.56% for SPY, so IGE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IGE annualized +14.36% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGE or SPY?
IGE has been the more volatile fund at 44.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IGE -72.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGE and SPY?
IGE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGE and SPY?
IGE and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 623 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGE or SPY?
IGE yields 2.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IGE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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