BLCR vs SPY
iShares Large Cap Core Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BLCR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLCR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6.3B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +18.98% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.68% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BLCR vs SPY Performance
iShares Large Cap Core Active ETF (BLCR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BLCR returned +32.68% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BLCR is up 18.98% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLCR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -21.3% for BLCR 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
BLCR charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLCR currently yields 0.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BLCR and SPY share 35 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLCR or SPY?
BLCR has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLCR or SPY?
Over the past year BLCR returned +32.68% vs +21.96% for SPY, so BLCR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BLCR annualized +30.21% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLCR or SPY?
BLCR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BLCR -21.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLCR and SPY?
BLCR 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 BLCR and SPY?
BLCR and SPY share 35 common holdings with a 36.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLCR or SPY?
BLCR yields 0.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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