EIS vs SPY
iShares MSCI Israel ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EIS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $912M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.80% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.41% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.55% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.65% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EIS vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) 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 EIS returned +35.41% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, EIS is up 9.80% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, EIS compounded at +32.55% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.65% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -51.9% for EIS 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIS charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIS currently yields 1.56% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EIS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 626 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, EIS or SPY?
EIS has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIS or SPY?
Over the past year EIS returned +35.41% vs +20.62% for SPY, so EIS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), EIS annualized +5.36% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIS or SPY?
EIS has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EIS -51.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EIS and SPY?
EIS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIS and SPY?
EIS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIS or SPY?
EIS yields 1.56% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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