IGF vs SPY
iShares Global 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 98 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.97% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.56% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.80% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.37% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IGF vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) 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 IGF returned +12.56% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IGF is up 7.97% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, IGF compounded at +15.80% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.37% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -59.5% for IGF 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGF charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGF currently yields 2.90% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IGF and SPY share 17 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGF or SPY?
IGF has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGF or SPY?
Over the past year IGF returned +12.56% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IGF annualized +2.29% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGF or SPY?
IGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IGF -59.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGF and SPY?
IGF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGF and SPY?
IGF and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGF or SPY?
IGF yields 2.90% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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