POWR vs SPY
iShares US Power Infrastructure 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 | POWR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $463M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +8.40% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.72% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.30% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
POWR vs SPY Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) 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 POWR returned +12.72% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, POWR is up 8.40% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +6.59% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +16.30% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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
POWR 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, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and SPY share 35 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, POWR or SPY?
POWR 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, POWR or SPY?
Over the past year POWR returned +12.72% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +1.88% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or SPY?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both POWR and SPY?
POWR 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 POWR and SPY?
POWR and SPY share 35 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or SPY?
POWR yields 5.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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