AAXJ vs SPY
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AAXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. AAXJ offers more diversification with 956 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAXJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.41% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 956 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.86% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.19% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.09% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.62% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AAXJ vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan ETF (AAXJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AAXJ returned +37.19% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, AAXJ is up 20.86% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, AAXJ compounded at +24.09% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.62% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +5.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -49.4% for AAXJ and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAXJ charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAXJ currently yields 1.41% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAXJ or SPY?
AAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAXJ or SPY?
Over the past year AAXJ returned +37.19% vs +20.83% for SPY, so AAXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AAXJ annualized +5.32% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAXJ or SPY?
AAXJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AAXJ -49.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AAXJ and SPY?
AAXJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAXJ and SPY?
AAXJ and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1322 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAXJ or SPY?
AAXJ yields 1.41% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AAXJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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