IHY vs SPY
IHY vs SPY
VanEck International High Yield Bond 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 | IHY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $43M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 591 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.74% | +11.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.54% | +21.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.94% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.74% | +12.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IHY vs SPY Performance
VanEck International High Yield Bond (IHY) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IHY returned +3.54% while SPY returned +21.37%. Year to date, IHY is up 0.74% versus a gain of 11.49% for SPY.
Over three years, IHY compounded at +7.94% per year against +20.76% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.74% and +12.94% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +0.73%. 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 8.7% for IHY. 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 -32.1% for IHY 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHY charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHY currently yields 5.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IHY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 815 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, IHY or SPY?
IHY has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHY or SPY?
Over the past year IHY returned +3.54% vs +21.37% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IHY annualized +0.73% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.7% for IHY. Worst drawdown: IHY -32.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IHY and SPY?
IHY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHY and SPY?
IHY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 815 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHY or SPY?
IHY yields 5.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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