AQLT vs SPY
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. AQLT offers more diversification with 521 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $331M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.87% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AQLT vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) 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 AQLT returned +22.87% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, AQLT is up 11.95% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.9% for AQLT. 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 -16.8% for AQLT 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQLT charges 0.20% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $9 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQLT currently yields 1.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AQLT and SPY share 124 holdings out of 844 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQLT or SPY?
AQLT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQLT or SPY?
Over the past year AQLT returned +22.87% vs +20.83% for SPY, so AQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AQLT annualized +16.04% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQLT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for AQLT. Worst drawdown: AQLT -16.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AQLT and SPY?
AQLT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AQLT and SPY?
AQLT and SPY share 124 common holdings with a 44.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQLT or SPY?
AQLT yields 1.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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