GHYG vs SPY
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. GHYG offers more diversification with 1,730 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GHYG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $198M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,730 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.64% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.56% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.48% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.79% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GHYG vs SPY Performance
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF (GHYG) 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 GHYG returned +0.56% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, GHYG is down 1.64% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GHYG compounded at +7.48% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.79% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +4.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.0% for GHYG. 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 -52.4% for GHYG 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GHYG charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GHYG currently yields 6.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GHYG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1512 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, GHYG or SPY?
GHYG has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GHYG or SPY?
Over the past year GHYG returned +0.56% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GHYG annualized +4.24% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GHYG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.0% for GHYG. Worst drawdown: GHYG -52.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GHYG and SPY?
GHYG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GHYG and SPY?
GHYG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GHYG or SPY?
GHYG yields 6.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GHYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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