IEZ vs SPY
iShares US Oil Equipment & Services ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IEZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $381M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +37.66% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.47% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.59% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IEZ vs SPY Performance
iShares US Oil Equipment & Services ETF (IEZ) 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 IEZ returned +68.47% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IEZ is up 37.66% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IEZ compounded at +10.23% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +20.59% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -2.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.8% 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 -93.5% for IEZ 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEZ charges 0.37% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $9 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEZ currently yields 1.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IEZ and SPY share 3 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEZ or SPY?
IEZ has an expense ratio of 0.37% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEZ or SPY?
Over the past year IEZ returned +68.47% vs +21.82% for SPY, so IEZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IEZ annualized -2.44% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEZ or SPY?
IEZ has been the more volatile fund at 37.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IEZ -93.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IEZ and SPY?
IEZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEZ and SPY?
IEZ and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEZ or SPY?
IEZ yields 1.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IEZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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