ISTB vs SPY
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
ISTB has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISTB offers more diversification with 7,038 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7,038 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.74% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.22% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.96% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISTB vs SPY Performance
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF (ISTB) 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 ISTB returned +2.74% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, ISTB is up 0.70% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, ISTB compounded at +5.22% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.96% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +0.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.2% for ISTB. 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 -50.1% for ISTB 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTB 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, ISTB currently yields 4.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISTB and SPY share 3 holdings out of 2719 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISTB or SPY?
ISTB has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. ISTB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTB or SPY?
Over the past year ISTB returned +2.74% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), ISTB annualized +0.94% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.2% for ISTB. Worst drawdown: ISTB -50.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISTB and SPY?
ISTB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISTB and SPY?
ISTB and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2719 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTB or SPY?
ISTB yields 4.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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