IYE vs SPY
iShares US Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IYE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +34.76% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.79% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.14% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.06% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IYE vs SPY Performance
iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) 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 IYE returned +45.79% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IYE is up 34.76% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IYE compounded at +14.14% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +23.06% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +5.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% 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 -78.1% for IYE 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYE charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYE currently yields 2.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IYE and SPY share 22 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYE or SPY?
IYE has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYE or SPY?
Over the past year IYE returned +45.79% vs +21.96% for SPY, so IYE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IYE annualized +5.84% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYE or SPY?
IYE has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IYE -78.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IYE and SPY?
IYE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYE and SPY?
IYE and SPY share 22 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYE or SPY?
IYE yields 2.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IYE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.