IFRA vs SPY
iShares US Infrastructure 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 | IFRA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.30% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.19% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.31% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.97% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IFRA vs SPY Performance
iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) 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 IFRA returned +19.19% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IFRA is up 13.30% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IFRA compounded at +18.31% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.97% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IFRA has the edge at +12.04% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFRA 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 -41.1% for IFRA 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
IFRA charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFRA currently yields 1.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IFRA and SPY share 47 holdings out of 619 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFRA or SPY?
IFRA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFRA or SPY?
Over the past year IFRA returned +19.19% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IFRA annualized +12.04% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFRA or SPY?
IFRA has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IFRA -41.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IFRA and SPY?
IFRA 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 IFRA and SPY?
IFRA and SPY share 47 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 619 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFRA or SPY?
IFRA yields 1.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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