IBMQ vs SPY
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Muni 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. IBMQ offers more diversification with 2,676 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBMQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $663M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.45% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,676 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.29% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.44% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.71% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.09% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBMQ vs SPY Performance
iShares iBonds Dec 2028 Term Muni Bond ETF (IBMQ) 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 IBMQ returned +0.44% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IBMQ is down 0.29% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IBMQ compounded at +2.71% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.09% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +1.75%. 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 IBMQ. 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 -15.8% for IBMQ 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBMQ charges 0.18% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBMQ currently yields 2.45% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBMQ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 811 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, IBMQ or SPY?
IBMQ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBMQ or SPY?
Over the past year IBMQ returned +0.44% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IBMQ annualized +1.75% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBMQ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.0% for IBMQ. Worst drawdown: IBMQ -15.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBMQ and SPY?
IBMQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBMQ and SPY?
IBMQ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBMQ or SPY?
IBMQ yields 2.45% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IBMQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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