IEUS vs SPY
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEUS offers more diversification with 859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $184M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 859 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.62% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.56% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IEUS vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) 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 IEUS returned +12.56% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IEUS is up 8.62% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IEUS compounded at +15.55% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -63.3% for IEUS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEUS charges 0.41% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $9 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEUS currently yields 3.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IEUS and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1321 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IEUS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF | 0.10% | 0.04% | 0.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEUS or SPY?
IEUS has an expense ratio of 0.41% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEUS or SPY?
Over the past year IEUS returned +12.56% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IEUS annualized +3.23% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEUS or SPY?
IEUS has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IEUS -63.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IEUS and SPY?
IEUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEUS and SPY?
IEUS and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1321 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEUS or SPY?
IEUS yields 3.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IEUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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