IXJ vs SPY
IXJ vs SPY
iShares Global Healthcare ETF 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 | IXJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.35% | +13.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.59% | +23.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.37% | +21.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.48% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IXJ vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) 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 IXJ returned +21.59% while SPY returned +23.94%. Year to date, IXJ is up 4.35% versus a gain of 13.28% for SPY.
Over three years, IXJ compounded at +7.37% per year against +21.07% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.48% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.07%. 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 13.2% for IXJ. 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 -42.8% for IXJ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXJ 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, IXJ currently yields 1.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IXJ and SPY share 60 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXJ | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLY | 10.75% | 1.46% | 9.29% |
| JNJ | 7.07% | 0.96% | 6.11% |
| ABBV | 5.10% | 0.69% | 4.41% |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ROP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GILD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXJ 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, IXJ or SPY?
IXJ 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, IXJ or SPY?
Over the past year IXJ returned +21.59% vs +23.94% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXJ annualized +6.07% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXJ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IXJ -42.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IXJ and SPY?
IXJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXJ and SPY?
IXJ and SPY share 60 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXJ or SPY?
IXJ yields 1.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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