The State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Growth ETF (SLYG) and iShares SP Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) are nearly identical in portfolio composition, with slight differences in cost and yield. SLYG has a lower expense ratio of 0.15%, a 1.1% dividend yield, and a 5.7% 1-year return compared to IJT’s 0.18% expense ratio, 0.9% yield, and 5.8% return as of Dec. 19, 2025.

Both SLYG and IJT provide exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks with strong growth characteristics, making them direct competitors for investors seeking growth in the small-cap segment. They have similar sector weights, holdings, and growth characteristics, with IJT holding 357 stocks and SLYG holding 350. Their largest sector exposures include industrials, technology, and healthcare.

Investors looking for straightforward exposure to the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index’s methodology and composition can consider SLYG or IJT. While small-cap ETFs offer exposure to overlooked stocks, the best companies may exit the index before producing significant returns. Adding dividend payments to these ETFs can slightly increase long-term returns.

IJT and SLYG both offer growth potential over the long term, with IJT returning 33.43% and SLYG returning 33.97% over the past five years, including dividend payments. If choosing between the two, State Street’s SLYG may be the slightly better option for investors. ETFs are pooled investment funds traded on stock exchanges, holding assets like stocks or bonds.

For more information on ETF investing and to explore potential opportunities, investors can refer to the full guide provided in the article. Ensure to conduct thorough research and consider individual investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The IJT and SLYG ETFs Nearly Match on Small Cap Growth Exposure