IBD vs SPY
Inspire Corporate 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. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $485M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 251 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.08% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.72% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.05% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.09% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBD vs SPY Performance
Inspire Corporate Bond ETF (IBD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IBD returned +2.72% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, IBD is down 0.08% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, IBD compounded at +5.05% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.09% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.16%. 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 5.0% for IBD. 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 -16.3% for IBD 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBD charges 0.43% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $9 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBD currently yields 4.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 750 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, IBD or SPY?
IBD has an expense ratio of 0.43% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBD or SPY?
Over the past year IBD returned +2.72% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IBD annualized +1.16% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.0% for IBD. Worst drawdown: IBD -16.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBD and SPY?
IBD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBD and SPY?
IBD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBD or SPY?
IBD yields 4.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IBD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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