AQWA vs SPY
Global X Clean Water ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQWA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $23M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.37% | +12.35% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.56% | +20.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +21.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.19% | +12.77% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AQWA vs SPY Performance
Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AQWA returned -1.56% while SPY returned +20.15%. Year to date, AQWA is up 2.37% versus a gain of 12.35% for SPY.
Over three years, AQWA compounded at +10.24% per year against +21.69% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.19% and +12.77% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +6.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AQWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -29.4% for AQWA 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQWA 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, AQWA currently yields 1.56% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AQWA and SPY share 3 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQWA or SPY?
AQWA 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, AQWA or SPY?
Over the past year AQWA returned -1.56% vs +20.15% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AQWA annualized +6.01% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQWA or SPY?
AQWA has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AQWA -29.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AQWA and SPY?
AQWA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQWA and SPY?
AQWA and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQWA or SPY?
AQWA yields 1.56% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AQWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.