ISMD vs SPY
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $349M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +28.49% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.70% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.45% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.29% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISMD vs SPY Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, ISMD is up 28.49% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.45% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.29% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ISMD has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $9 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1002 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, ISMD or SPY?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or SPY?
Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% vs +20.62% for SPY, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.30% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or SPY?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISMD and SPY?
ISMD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMD and SPY?
ISMD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1002 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or SPY?
ISMD yields 1.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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