ISHP vs SPY
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISHP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -5.79% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.91% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.54% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.08% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISHP vs SPY Performance
First Trust S-Network E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ISHP returned -8.91% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ISHP is down 5.79% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, ISHP compounded at +13.54% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.08% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +7.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISHP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -42.7% for ISHP 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISHP charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISHP currently yields 1.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISHP and SPY share 24 holdings out of 540 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISHP or SPY?
ISHP has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISHP or SPY?
Over the past year ISHP returned -8.91% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISHP annualized +7.12% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISHP or SPY?
ISHP has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISHP -42.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISHP and SPY?
ISHP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISHP and SPY?
ISHP and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISHP or SPY?
ISHP yields 1.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISHP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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