IUSG vs SPY
IUSG vs SPY
iShares Core S&P US Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IUSG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IUSG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 400 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.18% | +9.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.45% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.43% | +19.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IUSG vs SPY Performance
iShares Core S&P US Growth ETF (IUSG) 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 IUSG returned +19.45% while SPY returned +19.50%. Year to date, IUSG is up 10.18% versus a gain of 9.93% for SPY.
Over three years, IUSG compounded at +23.43% per year against +19.33% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +7.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IUSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -65.8% for IUSG 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IUSG 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, IUSG currently yields 0.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IUSG and SPY share 143 holdings out of 736 unique holdings combined, representing a 63.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IUSG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.72% | 7.31% | 5.41% |
| AAPL | 6.17% | 7.09% | 0.92% |
| MSFT | 7.71% | 4.43% | 3.28% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IUSG 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, IUSG or SPY?
IUSG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. IUSG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IUSG or SPY?
Over the past year IUSG returned +19.45% vs +19.50% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IUSG annualized +7.13% vs +8.74% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IUSG or SPY?
IUSG has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IUSG -65.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IUSG and SPY?
IUSG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 IUSG and SPY?
IUSG and SPY share 143 common holdings with a 63.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 736 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IUSG or SPY?
IUSG yields 0.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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