IBRN vs SPY
iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IBRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBRN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 80 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.48% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +70.78% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.98% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBRN vs SPY Performance
iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN) 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 IBRN returned +70.78% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, IBRN is up 23.48% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, IBRN compounded at +18.98% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, IBRN has the edge at +12.97% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IBRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -35.4% for IBRN 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBRN 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, IBRN currently yields 0.82% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBRN and SPY share 1 holdings out of 572 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IBRN | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIIB | 3.88% | 0.05% | 3.83% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IBRN or SPY?
IBRN 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, IBRN or SPY?
Over the past year IBRN returned +70.78% vs +22.52% for SPY, so IBRN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IBRN annualized +12.97% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBRN or SPY?
IBRN has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IBRN -35.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBRN and SPY?
IBRN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBRN and SPY?
IBRN and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBRN or SPY?
IBRN yields 0.82% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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