EIRL vs SPY
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EIRL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIRL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $79M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.06% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.21% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.65% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EIRL vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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 EIRL returned +23.21% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.06% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.43% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.65% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EIRL has the edge at +9.32% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EIRL or SPY?
EIRL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIRL or SPY?
Over the past year EIRL returned +23.21% vs +21.53% for SPY, so EIRL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EIRL annualized +9.32% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or SPY?
EIRL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EIRL and SPY?
EIRL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIRL and SPY?
EIRL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or SPY?
EIRL yields 2.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EIRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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