ISRA vs SPY
VanEck Israel ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $153M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.91% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.95% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.38% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISRA vs SPY Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ISRA returned +38.95% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ISRA is up 14.91% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +26.38% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.36% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ISRA has the edge at +9.11% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 582 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, ISRA or SPY?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or SPY?
Over the past year ISRA returned +38.95% vs +21.96% for SPY, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +9.11% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or SPY?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISRA and SPY?
ISRA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and SPY?
ISRA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or SPY?
ISRA yields 1.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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