ILCG vs SPY
ILCG vs SPY
iShares Morningstar Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
ILCG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILCG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 331 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.44% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.83% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.21% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.50% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ILCG vs SPY Performance
iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) 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 ILCG returned +11.83% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, ILCG is up 7.44% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, ILCG compounded at +21.21% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.50% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, ILCG has the edge at +10.82% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -53.2% for ILCG 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILCG charges 0.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILCG currently yields 0.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ILCG and SPY share 247 holdings out of 582 unique holdings combined, representing a 65.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILCG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 14.11% | 7.31% | 6.80% |
| AAPL | 7.06% | 7.09% | 0.03% |
| AVGO | 5.36% | 2.73% | 2.63% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ILCG 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, ILCG or SPY?
ILCG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. ILCG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILCG or SPY?
Over the past year ILCG returned +11.83% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), ILCG annualized +10.82% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILCG or SPY?
ILCG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ILCG -53.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ILCG and SPY?
ILCG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ILCG and SPY?
ILCG and SPY share 247 common holdings with a 65.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILCG or SPY?
ILCG yields 0.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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