REZ vs SPY
iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate 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 | REZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $909M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.99% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.49% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.82% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.28% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REZ vs SPY Performance
iShares Residential and Multisector Real Estate ETF (REZ) 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 REZ returned +19.82% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, REZ is up 17.49% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, REZ compounded at +12.95% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.28% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -70.3% for REZ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REZ charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REZ currently yields 1.99% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REZ and SPY share 13 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REZ or SPY?
REZ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REZ or SPY?
Over the past year REZ returned +19.82% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), REZ annualized +4.34% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REZ or SPY?
REZ has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REZ -70.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both REZ and SPY?
REZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REZ and SPY?
REZ and SPY share 13 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REZ or SPY?
REZ yields 1.99% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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