ISVL vs SPY
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ISVL delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISVL offers more diversification with 538 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISVL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $335M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 538 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.49% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.68% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ISVL vs SPY Performance
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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 ISVL returned +24.49% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, ISVL is up 12.64% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, ISVL compounded at +23.68% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ISVL has the edge at +12.02% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISVL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -30.5% for ISVL 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISVL charges 0.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $9 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISVL currently yields 3.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ISVL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1013 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, ISVL or SPY?
ISVL has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISVL or SPY?
Over the past year ISVL returned +24.49% vs +20.83% for SPY, so ISVL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ISVL annualized +12.02% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISVL or SPY?
ISVL has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ISVL -30.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ISVL and SPY?
ISVL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISVL and SPY?
ISVL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1013 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISVL or SPY?
ISVL yields 3.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ISVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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