IALT vs SPY
iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IALT offers more diversification with 2,311 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IALT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.5B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,311 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.49% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IALT vs SPY Performance
iShares Systematic Alternatives Active ETF (IALT) 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. Year to date, IALT is up 14.49% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -2.3% for IALT and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IALT charges 0.99% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $9 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IALT currently yields 0.40% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IALT and SPY share 437 holdings out of 1652 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IALT or SPY?
IALT has an expense ratio of 0.99% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between IALT and SPY?
IALT and SPY share 437 common holdings with a 20.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1652 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IALT or SPY?
IALT yields 0.40% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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