IGV vs SPY
iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector 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 | IGV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $14.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 113 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.42% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.93% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.98% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.10% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IGV vs SPY Performance
iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) 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 IGV returned -3.93% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, IGV is up 1.42% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, IGV compounded at +14.98% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.10% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, IGV has the edge at +9.74% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.8% 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 -63.5% for IGV 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
IGV charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGV currently yields 0.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IGV and SPY share 23 holdings out of 590 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGV or SPY?
IGV has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGV or SPY?
Over the past year IGV returned -3.93% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IGV annualized +9.74% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGV or SPY?
IGV has been the more volatile fund at 23.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IGV -63.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IGV and SPY?
IGV 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 IGV and SPY?
IGV and SPY share 23 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGV or SPY?
IGV yields 0.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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