IYJ vs SPY
IYJ vs SPY
iShares US Industrials 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 | IYJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.45% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.43% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.85% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.34% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IYJ vs SPY Performance
iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) 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 IYJ returned +18.43% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, IYJ is up 12.45% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, IYJ compounded at +16.85% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.34% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +7.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -62.8% for IYJ 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYJ charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYJ currently yields 0.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IYJ and SPY share 97 holdings out of 618 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IYJ | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| V | 6.90% | 0.92% | 5.98% |
| CAT | 5.15% | 0.69% | 4.46% |
| MA | 5.03% | 0.66% | 4.37% |
| GE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AXP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IYJ 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, IYJ or SPY?
IYJ has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYJ or SPY?
Over the past year IYJ returned +18.43% vs +22.80% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IYJ annualized +7.67% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYJ or SPY?
IYJ has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IYJ -62.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IYJ and SPY?
IYJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IYJ and SPY?
IYJ and SPY share 97 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYJ or SPY?
IYJ yields 0.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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