IDV vs SPY
iShares International Select Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.50% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.46% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.24% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.35% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IDV vs SPY Performance
iShares International Select Dividend ETF (IDV) 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 IDV returned +26.24% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, IDV is up 11.46% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, IDV compounded at +25.35% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.54% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -76.3% for IDV 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
IDV charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDV currently yields 5.50% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IDV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 601 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, IDV or SPY?
IDV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDV or SPY?
Over the past year IDV returned +26.24% vs +22.52% for SPY, so IDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IDV annualized +1.04% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDV or SPY?
IDV has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IDV -76.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDV and SPY?
IDV 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 IDV and SPY?
IDV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDV or SPY?
IDV yields 5.50% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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