LRGF vs SPY
iShares US Equity Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
LRGF has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LRGF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.7B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 298 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.70% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.82% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.54% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.56% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LRGF vs SPY Performance
iShares US Equity Factor ETF (LRGF) 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 LRGF returned +19.82% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, LRGF is up 12.70% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, LRGF compounded at +22.54% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.56% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, LRGF has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LRGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -36.0% for LRGF 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LRGF charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LRGF currently yields 1.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LRGF and SPY share 204 holdings out of 591 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LRGF or SPY?
LRGF has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. LRGF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LRGF or SPY?
Over the past year LRGF returned +19.82% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LRGF annualized +11.45% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LRGF or SPY?
LRGF has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LRGF -36.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LRGF and SPY?
LRGF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LRGF and SPY?
LRGF and SPY share 204 common holdings with a 66.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LRGF or SPY?
LRGF yields 1.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LRGF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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