IXP vs SPY
iShares Global Comm Services ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $522M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.30% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.73% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.89% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.93% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IXP vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) 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 IXP returned +2.73% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IXP is down 2.30% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IXP compounded at +20.89% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.93% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -53.1% for IXP 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXP charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXP currently yields 3.48% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IXP and SPY share 24 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXP or SPY?
IXP has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXP or SPY?
Over the past year IXP returned +2.73% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), IXP annualized +3.63% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXP or SPY?
IXP has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IXP -53.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IXP and SPY?
IXP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXP and SPY?
IXP and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 10.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXP or SPY?
IXP yields 3.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IXP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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