SPY vs SYSB
SPY vs SYSB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares Systematic Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SYSB offers more diversification with 692 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SYSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.60% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 843 | |
| YTD Return | +11.49% | -3.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.37% | -1.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.76% | +1.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | -3.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 4.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Feb 24, 2015 |
SPY vs SYSB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.37% while SYSB returned -1.93%. Year to date, SPY is up 11.49% versus a loss of 3.09% for SYSB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +20.76% per year against +1.17% for SYSB; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and -3.02% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs -1.19%. 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 4.6% for SYSB. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -22.4% for SYSB. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SYSB charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $25 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.60% for SYSB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SYSB share 1 holdings out of 1194 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in SYSB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.07% | 0.03% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SYSB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SYSB charges 0.25%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SYSB?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.37% vs -1.93% for SYSB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPY annualized +8.78% vs -1.19% for SYSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SYSB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for SYSB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SYSB -22.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and SYSB?
SPY and SYSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SYSB?
SPY and SYSB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SYSB?
SPY yields 1.01% while SYSB yields 4.60%, so SYSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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