IXC vs SPY
iShares Global Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +37.65% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.35% | +21.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.61% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.60% | +12.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IXC vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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 IXC returned +43.35% while SPY returned +21.13%. Year to date, IXC is up 37.65% versus a gain of 12.87% for SPY.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +16.61% per year against +20.86% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +23.60% and +12.69% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +6.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.37% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $9 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 2.87% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IXC and SPY share 21 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or SPY?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.37% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or SPY?
Over the past year IXC returned +43.35% vs +21.13% for SPY, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXC annualized +6.48% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or SPY?
IXC has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IXC and SPY?
IXC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and SPY?
IXC and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or SPY?
IXC yields 2.87% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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