What do the expense ratios of IJR and SPSM tell an investor?

IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio, while SPSM charges 0.03%. This 0.03 percentage point difference suggests SPSM is marginally cheaper to hold. Over time, even small fee differences can impact net returns, especially in long-term investments. However, fees should be viewed alongside fund size, liquidity and dividend yield, as lower cost does not guarantee superior performance. Both funds are low-cost index trackers, reflecting competitive pricing in the small-cap ETF market.

What does it mean when an index or holdings information is 'not available' for a fund?

When data such as index tracked or sector weights are listed as 'not available', it means specific details have not been disclosed or retrieved in this comparison. For IJR, index methodology and top holdings are unknown, which may limit transparency assessments. Similarly, sector weights are missing for both funds. Investors should rely on official fund documents if precise portfolio composition matters to their analysis.

How do the dividend yields of IJR and SPSM compare?

SPSM offers a higher dividend yield of 1.52%, compared to IJR's 1.23%. This suggests that, based on current data, SPSM provides more immediate income per dollar invested. However, dividend yields fluctuate with market prices and company payouts, so they are not guaranteed. Income-focused investors may weigh this difference alongside total return potential and fund costs when evaluating either small-cap option.

Which fund has greater operational history, and why might this matter?

IJR was launched in May 2000, giving it over 25 years of operation, while SPSM began in July 2013, resulting in a shorter track record. Longer history can provide more data for observing how a fund has handled different market cycles, though it does not ensure future performance. Investors may value extended operating records when assessing fund stability and management consistency, particularly for core portfolio holdings.

Do IJR and SPSM share similar top holdings?

No, the two funds do not share any common stocks within their top ten holdings. SPSM lists VSAT, MTCH, QRVO and others, while IJR’s top holdings are not available. This indicates potential differences in portfolio composition despite both tracking small-cap segments. Lack of overlap among disclosed positions suggests distinct investment approaches or weighting methodologies, which may influence diversification and risk exposure for investors.

How do the net assets of IJR and SPSM differ, and what are the implications?

IJR holds $106.6 billion in net assets, significantly larger than SPSM’s $16.0 billion. Greater asset size often correlates with higher trading liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, benefiting investors executing large trades. However, smaller funds like SPSM can still be efficient and cost-effective. Asset size is one factor among many when assessing ETF suitability, particularly for investors concerned with trade execution and market impact.

Are both funds suitable for the same type of investor goal?

Both IJR and SPSM target small-cap US equity exposure, aligning with growth or diversified portfolio strategies. IJR may appeal to those prioritising liquidity and long-standing operations, while SPSM could suit investors focused on lower fees and higher current yield. Neither fund is recommended over the other; suitability depends on individual preferences regarding cost, income and accessibility to transparency. Goal fit should consider risk tolerance and investment horizon.

How can an investor compare these ETFs effectively?

Start by examining key metrics: expense ratio, dividend yield, net assets and inception date. SPSM is cheaper with a higher yield, while IJR offers greater liquidity and a longer history. Since holdings data for IJR is unavailable, review official prospectuses for further details. Use this page as an educational starting point, not a basis for investment decisions, and consult financial statements for comprehensive analysis.

What should beginners understand about ETF distributions?

ETFs like IJR and SPSM pay dividends from their underlying holdings. The stated yields—1.23% for IJR and 1.52% for SPSM—reflect recent income distribution rates. These payments are not fixed and vary with market performance and company earnings. Reinvested distributions can compound returns, while withdrawn income provides cash flow. Beginners should note that distribution frequency and timing depend on fund policies, which may differ between providers.

Why are some fund details labelled as 'not available'?

Data such as index tracked and sector weights may be omitted if not publicly accessible or updated at the time of retrieval. For this comparison, IJR’s index and SPSM’s sector weights are not listed. This does not indicate poor quality but highlights transparency limitations. Investors needing detailed portfolio breakdowns should refer to issuer websites or regulatory filings for the most current and complete information.

IJR vs SPSM

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM). This page examines fees, holdings, dividends and how each fund tracks its market. IJR has a 0.06% expense ratio and $106.6 billion in net assets, while SPSM has a 0.03% expense ratio and $16.0 billion. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IJR

Metric

SPSM

0.06%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

1.23%

Dividend Yield

1.52%

$106.62B

Net Assets

$16.02B

652

Holdings

611

May 22, 2000

Inception Date

Jul 8, 2013

–

Index Tracked

–

Small Blend

Fund Category

Small Blend

SPSM costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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IJR vs VIOO

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Investment Analysis

IJR

Pros

Very low 0.06% expense ratio keeps costs down while matching the S&P SmallCap 600.
Massive $106.6 billion asset base supports high trading liquidity and tight bid‑ask spreads.
Inception in May 2000 provides over 25 years of operating history and track record.

Considerations

Lower 1.23% dividend yield than SPSM reduces immediate income generation for investors.
Index methodology and top‑10 holdings data are not available, limiting detailed portfolio transparency.
Higher expense ratio than the 0.03% charge on SPSM increases relative cost over time.

SPSM

Pros

Exceptionally low 0.03% expense ratio is among the cheapest for small‑cap indexing.
Higher 1.52% dividend yield offers greater cash income than the competing fund.
Specific top‑10 holdings disclosure enhances transparency into the fund's largest positions.

Considerations

Smaller $16.0 billion net assets may mean less depth than the $106.6 billion alternative.
Shorter inception date of July 2013 provides a more limited operational track record.
Lack of index and sector weight data obscures the full portfolio composition for investors.

About IJR and SPSM

IJR (IJR)

The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is designed to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, providing exposure to US small-capitalisation companies. With an expense ratio of just 0.06% and substantial net assets of USD 106.62 billion, it offers investors a cost-effective route to diversified small-cap equity exposure. The fund holds 652 securities, capturing a wide spectrum of the small-cap market, which is often characterised by higher growth potential but also greater volatility compared to large-cap firms. Investors may consider this ETF to balance their portfolios with the dynamism of smaller companies, which can be sensitive to economic cycles and interest rate changes. As with any investment in equities, values can fall as well as rise, and returns are not guaranteed. It serves as a building block for those seeking specific exposure to the US small-cap segment within a global or multi-asset strategy.

SPSM (SPSM)

The SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF offers a cost-effective way to gain exposure to smaller U.S. companies. With an expense ratio of just 0.03%, it aims to track the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, which includes 600 small-capitalisation stocks known for their potential growth. Launched in July 2013, this fund holds a diversified portfolio of over 600 companies, spread across various sectors to mitigate risk. Investors benefit from a modest dividend yield of approximately 1.52%, making it suitable for those looking to balance growth opportunities with some income generation. As with any investment, values can fluctuate, and past performance does not guarantee future results. This ETF is ideal for investors seeking broader exposure to the U.S. equity market beyond large-cap stocks, though careful consideration of personal financial circumstances and risk tolerance is essential.

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IJR vs SPSM

Fund Snapshot