IJH vs SPY
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IJH has a lower expense ratio. IJH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $123.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.77% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.79% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.09% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.93% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IJH vs SPY Performance
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) 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 IJH returned +22.79% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IJH is up 17.77% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IJH compounded at +15.09% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.93% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -56.1% for IJH 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJH charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJH currently yields 1.15% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IJH and SPY share 0 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJH or SPY?
IJH has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. IJH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJH or SPY?
Over the past year IJH returned +22.79% vs +21.96% for SPY, so IJH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJH annualized +8.84% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJH or SPY?
IJH has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IJH -56.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IJH and SPY?
IJH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IJH and SPY?
IJH and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJH or SPY?
IJH yields 1.15% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IJH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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