IGM vs SPY
iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IGM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 301 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.65% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.69% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.79% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.11% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 13, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IGM vs SPY Performance
iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) 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 IGM returned +40.69% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IGM is up 26.65% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, IGM compounded at +35.79% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.11% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IGM has the edge at +12.24% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -65.6% for IGM 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGM 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, IGM currently yields 0.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IGM and SPY share 80 holdings out of 694 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGM or SPY?
IGM 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, IGM or SPY?
Over the past year IGM returned +40.69% vs +23.66% for SPY, so IGM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IGM annualized +12.24% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGM or SPY?
IGM has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IGM -65.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGM and SPY?
IGM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGM and SPY?
IGM and SPY share 80 common holdings with a 45.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 694 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGM or SPY?
IGM yields 0.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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