IXUS vs SPY
IXUS vs SPY
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IXUS has a lower expense ratio. IXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXUS offers more diversification with 1343 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $57.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4,623 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.85% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.87% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.42% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IXUS vs SPY Performance
iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) 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 IXUS returned +27.87% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IXUS is up 14.85% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, IXUS compounded at +19.42% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.24% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.35%. 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 14.3% for IXUS. 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 -39.9% for IXUS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXUS charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IXUS and SPY share 3 holdings out of 1843 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXUS or SPY?
IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. IXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXUS or SPY?
Over the past year IXUS returned +27.87% vs +23.66% for SPY, so IXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.35% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXUS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.3% for IXUS. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IXUS and SPY?
IXUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXUS and SPY?
IXUS and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1843 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or SPY?
IXUS yields 2.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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