IJR vs SPSM
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.28%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.
State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.58%. Launched in 2013, the fund has a 13-year track record.
Quick Verdict
SPSM has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.06%), saving about $60 per $10,000 over 10 years. Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (19.2% vs 18.9%), tracking closely.
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
8 of top 10 holdings overlap (80% overlap in top holdings)
IJR Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| BLK CSH FND TREASURY SL AGENCYXTSLA | 1.37% |
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.54% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.53% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.52% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.52% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.51% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.50% |
| SM Energy CompanySM | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
SPSM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Eastman Chemical CompanyEMN | 0.57% |
| Element Solutions IncESI | 0.51% |
| Primoris Services CorporationPRIM | 0.51% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc.VIAV | 0.50% |
| Argan, Inc.AGX | 0.49% |
| FormFactor, Inc.FORM | 0.49% |
| LKQ CorporationLKQ | 0.49% |
| Jackson Financial Inc.JXN | 0.49% |
| ESCO Technologies Inc.ESE | 0.48% |
| Match Group, Inc.MTCH | 0.47% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose SPSM if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose SPSM if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.
Either works if...
you just need broad us small cap exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.