AIA vs SPY
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +37.30% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.99% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.90% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AIA vs SPY Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) 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 AIA returned +62.99% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AIA is up 37.30% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +36.90% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +6.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -61.1% for AIA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.50% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIA or SPY?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or SPY?
Over the past year AIA returned +62.99% vs +21.96% for SPY, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), AIA annualized +6.35% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or SPY?
AIA has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AIA and SPY?
AIA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and SPY?
AIA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or SPY?
AIA yields 1.50% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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