SPY vs SUSB
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SUSB offers more diversification with 1132 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SUSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $1.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.49% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,665 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +0.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +2.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +5.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +2.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 3.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 11, 2017 |
SPY vs SUSB Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while SUSB returned +2.81%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 0.58% for SUSB.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +5.53% for SUSB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +2.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +1.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.0% for SUSB. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -13.3% for SUSB. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SUSB charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $12 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.49% for SUSB.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SUSB share 1 holdings out of 1634 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in SUSB | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.07% | 0.03% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SUSB?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SUSB charges 0.12%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SUSB?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +2.81% for SUSB, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +1.70% for SUSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SUSB?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.0% for SUSB. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SUSB -13.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and SUSB?
SPY and SUSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SUSB?
SPY and SUSB share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SUSB?
SPY yields 1.01% while SUSB yields 4.49%, so SUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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