EXI vs SPY
iShares Global Industrials ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EXI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EXI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 238 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.24% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.20% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.33% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EXI vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) 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 EXI returned +24.20% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, EXI is up 16.24% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, EXI compounded at +21.33% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -63.9% for EXI 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EXI charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EXI currently yields 1.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EXI and SPY share 82 holdings out of 639 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EXI or SPY?
EXI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EXI or SPY?
Over the past year EXI returned +24.20% vs +22.52% for SPY, so EXI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EXI annualized +7.74% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EXI or SPY?
EXI has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EXI -63.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EXI and SPY?
EXI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 EXI and SPY?
EXI and SPY share 82 common holdings with a 8.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 639 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EXI or SPY?
EXI yields 1.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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