IJT vs SPY
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IJT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.72% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.28% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.09% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.01% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IJT vs SPY Performance
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) 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 IJT returned +27.28% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IJT is up 24.72% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IJT compounded at +16.09% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.01% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IJT has the edge at +9.08% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -58.0% for IJT 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJT 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, IJT currently yields 0.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IJT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 517 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, IJT or SPY?
IJT 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, IJT or SPY?
Over the past year IJT returned +27.28% vs +21.96% for SPY, so IJT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IJT annualized +9.08% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJT or SPY?
IJT has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IJT -58.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IJT and SPY?
IJT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJT and SPY?
IJT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJT or SPY?
IJT yields 0.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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