SPY vs XVV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
XVV has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $685M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 448 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +12.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +19.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +22.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | +12.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -27.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 22, 2020 |
SPY vs XVV 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 500 ETF (XVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while XVV returned +19.79%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 12.98% for XVV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +22.03% for XVV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and +12.82% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XVV has the edge at +17.20% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -27.2% for XVV. 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 1.00. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XVV charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $8 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.94% for XVV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XVV share 430 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 86.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XVV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XVV charges 0.08%. XVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XVV?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +19.79% for XVV, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs +17.20% for XVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XVV?
XVV has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XVV -27.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and XVV?
SPY and XVV have a monthly-return correlation of 1.00, 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 SPY and XVV?
SPY and XVV share 430 common holdings with a 86.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XVV?
SPY yields 1.01% while XVV yields 0.94%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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