IBGL vs SPY

Quick Verdict

IBGL has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: IBGLHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIBGLSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.07%0.09%
AUM$6M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.64%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return-2.73%+13.79%
1Y Return-1.55%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)8.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-9.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 25, 2025Jan 22, 1993

IBGL vs SPY Performance

iShares iBonds Dec 2055 Term Treasury ETF (IBGL) 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 IBGL returned -1.55% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IBGL is down 2.73% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.6% for IBGL. 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 -9.0% for IBGL 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IBGL charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBGL currently yields 4.64% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IBGL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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, IBGL or SPY?

IBGL has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. IBGL is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IBGL or SPY?

Over the past year IBGL returned -1.55% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IBGL annualized -0.52% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IBGL or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.6% for IBGL. Worst drawdown: IBGL -9.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both IBGL and SPY?

IBGL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IBGL and SPY?

IBGL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IBGL or SPY?

IBGL yields 4.64% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IBGL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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