IHAK vs SPY
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IHAK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHAK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +33.15% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.25% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.17% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IHAK vs SPY Performance
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK) 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 IHAK returned +24.25% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IHAK is up 33.15% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IHAK compounded at +18.72% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.17% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IHAK has the edge at +13.75% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IHAK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -34.4% for IHAK 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHAK charges 0.47% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $9 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHAK currently yields 0.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IHAK and SPY share 4 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IHAK or SPY?
IHAK has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHAK or SPY?
Over the past year IHAK returned +24.25% vs +20.83% for SPY, so IHAK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IHAK annualized +13.75% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHAK or SPY?
IHAK has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IHAK -34.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IHAK and SPY?
IHAK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHAK and SPY?
IHAK and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHAK or SPY?
IHAK yields 0.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.