SPY vs XJR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XJR delivered stronger 1-year returns. XJR offers more diversification with 602 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XJR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $191M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 602 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +21.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +27.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +16.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +7.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -27.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 22, 2020 |
SPY vs XJR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XJR returned +27.05%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 21.01% for XJR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +16.00% for XJR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +7.21% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XJR has the edge at +14.90% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XJR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -27.1% for XJR. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XJR 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 0.94% for XJR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XJR share 0 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XJR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XJR 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 XJR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +27.05% for XJR, so XJR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +14.90% for XJR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XJR?
XJR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XJR -27.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and XJR?
SPY and XJR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XJR?
SPY and XJR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XJR?
SPY yields 1.01% while XJR yields 0.94%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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