ISCG vs SPY
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
ISCG has a lower expense ratio. ISCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISCG offers more diversification with 877 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $975M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 939 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.86% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.35% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISCG vs SPY Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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 ISCG returned +30.35% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, ISCG is up 16.86% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, ISCG compounded at +17.31% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, ISCG has the edge at +9.28% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 ISCG 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCG charges 0.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $9 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCG currently yields 0.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISCG and SPY share 32 holdings out of 1348 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCG or SPY?
ISCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. ISCG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCG or SPY?
Over the past year ISCG returned +30.35% vs +22.52% for SPY, so ISCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), ISCG annualized +9.28% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCG or SPY?
ISCG has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISCG -58.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISCG and SPY?
ISCG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCG and SPY?
ISCG and SPY share 32 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1348 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCG or SPY?
ISCG yields 0.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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