IDLV vs SPY
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDLV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $341M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.07% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.19% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.94% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.26% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IDLV vs SPY Performance
Invesco S&P International Developed Low Volatility ETF (IDLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IDLV returned +12.19% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IDLV is up 8.07% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IDLV compounded at +13.94% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.26% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.98%. 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 12.2% for IDLV. 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 -36.4% for IDLV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDLV charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDLV currently yields 5.03% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IDLV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 704 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, IDLV or SPY?
IDLV has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDLV or SPY?
Over the past year IDLV returned +12.19% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IDLV annualized +3.98% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDLV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.2% for IDLV. Worst drawdown: IDLV -36.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDLV and SPY?
IDLV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDLV and SPY?
IDLV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 704 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDLV or SPY?
IDLV yields 5.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IDLV 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.