IDU vs SPY
iShares US Utilities 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 | IDU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.87% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.26% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.60% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.32% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IDU vs SPY Performance
iShares US Utilities ETF (IDU) 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 IDU returned +5.26% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, IDU is up 3.87% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, IDU compounded at +15.60% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.32% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +5.18%. 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 15.0% for IDU. 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 -56.4% for IDU 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDU charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDU currently yields 2.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IDU and SPY share 33 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDU or SPY?
IDU has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDU or SPY?
Over the past year IDU returned +5.26% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IDU annualized +5.18% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for IDU. Worst drawdown: IDU -56.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDU and SPY?
IDU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDU and SPY?
IDU and SPY share 33 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDU or SPY?
IDU yields 2.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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