IJS vs SPY
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IJS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 487 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.96% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.38% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.89% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IJS vs SPY Performance
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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 IJS returned +33.90% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, IJS is up 21.96% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IJS compounded at +14.38% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.89% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -61.3% for IJS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJS charges 0.18% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $9 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJS currently yields 1.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IJS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 521 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, IJS or SPY?
IJS has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJS or SPY?
Over the past year IJS returned +33.90% vs +21.53% for SPY, so IJS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJS annualized +8.81% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJS or SPY?
IJS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IJS -61.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IJS and SPY?
IJS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJS and SPY?
IJS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJS or SPY?
IJS yields 1.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IJS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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