PICK vs SPY
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PICK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.54% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.13% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PICK vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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 PICK returned +65.13% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PICK is up 21.54% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PICK compounded at +19.08% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PICK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PICK charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PICK or SPY?
PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PICK or SPY?
Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% vs +23.66% for SPY, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.51% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PICK or SPY?
PICK has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PICK and SPY?
PICK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PICK and SPY?
PICK and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or SPY?
PICK yields 2.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PICK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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