BMED vs SPY
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMED | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $11M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.23% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.71% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.07% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BMED vs SPY Performance
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF (BMED) 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 BMED returned +29.57% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BMED is up 7.23% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BMED compounded at +10.71% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.07% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -36.4% for BMED 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMED charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMED currently yields 0.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BMED and SPY share 22 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMED or SPY?
BMED has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMED or SPY?
Over the past year BMED returned +29.57% vs +21.53% for SPY, so BMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMED annualized +4.24% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMED or SPY?
BMED has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BMED -36.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BMED and SPY?
BMED and SPY 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 BMED and SPY?
BMED and SPY share 22 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMED or SPY?
BMED yields 0.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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