IFGL vs SPY
iShares International Developed Real Estate 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 | IFGL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $82M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 281 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.62% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.57% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IFGL vs SPY Performance
iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (IFGL) 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 IFGL returned +2.53% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, IFGL is up 0.62% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, IFGL compounded at +8.77% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.57% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -2.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFGL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -71.3% for IFGL 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFGL charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFGL currently yields 3.98% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IFGL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 761 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, IFGL or SPY?
IFGL has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFGL or SPY?
Over the past year IFGL returned +2.53% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IFGL annualized -2.97% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFGL or SPY?
IFGL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IFGL -71.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IFGL and SPY?
IFGL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFGL and SPY?
IFGL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 761 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFGL or SPY?
IFGL yields 3.98% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IFGL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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