IYK vs SPY
iShares US Consumer Staples 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.73% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.64% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IYK vs SPY Performance
iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) 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 IYK returned +8.64% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, IYK is up 12.73% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, IYK compounded at +6.30% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.02% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.18%. 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 13.1% for IYK. 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 -44.1% for IYK 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYK 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, IYK currently yields 2.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IYK and SPY share 33 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYK or SPY?
IYK 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, IYK or SPY?
Over the past year IYK returned +8.64% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), IYK annualized +7.18% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for IYK. Worst drawdown: IYK -44.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IYK and SPY?
IYK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYK and SPY?
IYK and SPY share 33 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYK or SPY?
IYK yields 2.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IYK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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