IBDR vs SPY
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate 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 | IBDR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 264 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.82% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.74% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.54% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBDR vs SPY Performance
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Corporate ETF (IBDR) 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 IBDR returned +3.74% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, IBDR is up 1.82% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, IBDR compounded at +5.19% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.54% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.54%. 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 4.6% for IBDR. 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 -16.1% for IBDR 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBDR charges 0.10% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBDR currently yields 4.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBDR and SPY share 0 holdings out of 726 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, IBDR or SPY?
IBDR has an expense ratio of 0.10% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBDR or SPY?
Over the past year IBDR returned +3.74% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IBDR annualized +1.54% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBDR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for IBDR. Worst drawdown: IBDR -16.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBDR and SPY?
IBDR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBDR and SPY?
IBDR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 726 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBDR or SPY?
IBDR yields 4.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IBDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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