RXI vs SPY
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary 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 | RXI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $249M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 151 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.98% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.33% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.77% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RXI vs SPY Performance
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI) 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 RXI returned +4.33% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, RXI is down 0.98% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, RXI compounded at +10.77% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.67% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -62.0% for RXI 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RXI 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, RXI currently yields 1.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RXI and SPY share 47 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RXI or SPY?
RXI 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, RXI or SPY?
Over the past year RXI returned +4.33% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RXI annualized +7.45% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RXI or SPY?
RXI has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RXI -62.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RXI and SPY?
RXI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 RXI and SPY?
RXI and SPY share 47 common holdings with a 9.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RXI or SPY?
RXI yields 1.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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