IBTG vs SPY
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Treasury ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IBTG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IBTG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.91% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.19% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.85% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.63% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.89% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IBTG vs SPY Performance
iShares iBonds Dec 2026 Term Treasury ETF (IBTG) 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 IBTG returned +3.85% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IBTG is up 2.19% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IBTG compounded at +4.63% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.89% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +0.99%. 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 3.3% for IBTG. 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 -13.9% for IBTG 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBTG 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, IBTG currently yields 3.91% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IBTG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 525 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, IBTG or SPY?
IBTG has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. IBTG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBTG or SPY?
Over the past year IBTG returned +3.85% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IBTG annualized +0.99% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBTG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.3% for IBTG. Worst drawdown: IBTG -13.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IBTG and SPY?
IBTG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBTG and SPY?
IBTG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBTG or SPY?
IBTG yields 3.91% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IBTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.