IBOT vs SPY
VanEck Robotics ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IBOT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBOT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $93M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +28.77% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.85% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.35% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBOT vs SPY Performance
VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IBOT returned +44.85% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IBOT is up 28.77% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IBOT compounded at +26.35% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, IBOT has the edge at +26.33% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -23.3% for IBOT 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBOT 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, IBOT currently yields 0.29% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBOT and SPY share 15 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBOT or SPY?
IBOT 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, IBOT or SPY?
Over the past year IBOT returned +44.85% vs +21.96% for SPY, so IBOT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IBOT annualized +26.33% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBOT or SPY?
IBOT has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IBOT -23.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBOT and SPY?
IBOT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBOT and SPY?
IBOT and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBOT or SPY?
IBOT yields 0.29% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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