IJK vs SPY
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IJK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.56% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.94% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IJK vs SPY Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +27.94% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, IJK is up 19.56% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.22% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.17% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $9 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 750 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, IJK or SPY?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or SPY?
Over the past year IJK returned +27.94% vs +23.66% for SPY, so IJK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJK annualized +8.15% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or SPY?
IJK has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IJK and SPY?
IJK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 IJK and SPY?
IJK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or SPY?
IJK yields 0.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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