SPY vs XOEF

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYXOEFWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.20%
AUM$789.1B$23M
Dividend Yield1.01%1.03%
Holdings505408
YTD Return+11.49%+14.97%
1Y Return+21.37%+21.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.76%-
5Y Return (annualized)+12.94%-
Volatility (annualized)15.3%11.3%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-7.7%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementiShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jul 8, 2025

SPY vs XOEF Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares S&P 500 ex S&P 100 ETF (XOEF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.37% while XOEF returned +21.03%. Year to date, SPY is up 11.49% versus a gain of 14.97% for XOEF.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.3% for XOEF. 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 -7.7% for XOEF. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while XOEF charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $20 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.03% for XOEF.

Holdings Overlap

27.6%overlap

SPY and XOEF share 395 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPYWeight in XOEFDifference
KLAC0.47%1.68%1.21%
PANW0.45%1.60%1.15%
SNDK0.40%1.42%1.02%
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See all 10 holdings SPY shares with XOEF
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or XOEF?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XOEF charges 0.20%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or XOEF?

Over the past year SPY returned +21.37% vs +21.03% for XOEF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.78% vs +19.34% for XOEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or XOEF?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.3% for XOEF. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XOEF -7.7%.

Should I hold both SPY and XOEF?

SPY and XOEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XOEF?

SPY and XOEF share 395 common holdings with a 27.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XOEF?

SPY yields 1.01% while XOEF yields 1.03%, so XOEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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