IDEV vs SPY
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IDEV has a lower expense ratio. IDEV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IDEV offers more diversification with 2,344 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDEV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,344 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.66% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.10% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IDEV vs SPY Performance
iShares Core MSCI International Developed Markets ETF (IDEV) 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 IDEV returned +21.66% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, IDEV is up 12.56% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, IDEV compounded at +19.10% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.25% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -38.4% for IDEV 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
IDEV charges 0.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEV currently yields 3.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDEV or SPY?
IDEV has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. IDEV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDEV or SPY?
Over the past year IDEV returned +21.66% vs +20.62% for SPY, so IDEV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), IDEV annualized +8.33% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDEV or SPY?
IDEV has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IDEV -38.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDEV and SPY?
IDEV 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 IDEV and SPY?
IDEV and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDEV or SPY?
IDEV yields 3.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IDEV 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.