IBAT vs SPY
iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IBAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBAT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $71M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +36.71% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.53% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBAT vs SPY Performance
iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF (IBAT) 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 IBAT returned +61.53% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IBAT is up 36.71% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.9% 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 -27.9% for IBAT 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBAT charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBAT currently yields 0.80% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBAT and SPY share 4 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBAT or SPY?
IBAT has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBAT or SPY?
Over the past year IBAT returned +61.53% vs +20.83% for SPY, so IBAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IBAT annualized +22.71% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBAT or SPY?
IBAT has been the more volatile fund at 29.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IBAT -27.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBAT and SPY?
IBAT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBAT and SPY?
IBAT and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBAT or SPY?
IBAT yields 0.80% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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