IRTR vs SPY
iShares LifePath Retirement ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IRTR has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IRTR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $58M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.33% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.46% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 17, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IRTR vs SPY Performance
iShares LifePath Retirement ETF (IRTR) 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 IRTR returned +10.46% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, IRTR is up 5.33% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.8% for IRTR. 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 -6.3% for IRTR 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
IRTR charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IRTR currently yields 2.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IRTR 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, IRTR or SPY?
IRTR has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. IRTR is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IRTR or SPY?
Over the past year IRTR returned +10.46% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IRTR annualized +13.17% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IRTR or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.8% for IRTR. Worst drawdown: IRTR -6.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IRTR and SPY?
IRTR 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 IRTR and SPY?
IRTR and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IRTR or SPY?
IRTR yields 2.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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