INTF vs SPY
iShares International Equity Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. INTF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.42% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.97% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.90% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
INTF vs SPY Performance
iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) 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 INTF returned +27.42% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, INTF is up 14.50% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, INTF compounded at +20.97% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.90% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for INTF. 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 -43.9% for INTF 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTF charges 0.16% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $9 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTF currently yields 3.04% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INTF or SPY?
INTF has an expense ratio of 0.16% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTF or SPY?
Over the past year INTF returned +27.42% vs +22.52% for SPY, so INTF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), INTF annualized +6.76% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for INTF. Worst drawdown: INTF -43.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both INTF and SPY?
INTF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INTF and SPY?
INTF and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 978 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTF or SPY?
INTF yields 3.04% while SPY yields 1.01%, so INTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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