JXI vs SPY
iShares Global Utilities 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 | JXI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $308M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.43% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.94% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.63% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.06% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.14% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JXI vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Utilities ETF (JXI) 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 JXI returned +9.63% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, JXI is up 3.94% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, JXI compounded at +16.06% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.14% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +3.29%. 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 14.5% for JXI. 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 -52.9% for JXI 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JXI 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, JXI currently yields 2.43% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JXI and SPY share 31 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JXI or SPY?
JXI 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, JXI or SPY?
Over the past year JXI returned +9.63% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), JXI annualized +3.29% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JXI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for JXI. Worst drawdown: JXI -52.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JXI and SPY?
JXI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JXI and SPY?
JXI and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JXI or SPY?
JXI yields 2.43% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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