CIL vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. CIL delivered stronger 1-year returns. CIL offers more diversification with 513 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: CILMore Diversified: CIL

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCILSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.09%
AUM$31M$821.1B
Dividend Yield2.51%1.01%
Holdings513505
YTD Return+4.54%+14.24%
1Y Return+34.71%+21.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.45%+22.10%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.56%+13.21%
Volatility (annualized)29.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-46.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.State Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 20, 2015Jan 22, 1993

CIL vs SPY Performance

VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF (CIL) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year CIL returned +34.71% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, CIL is up 4.54% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.

Over three years, CIL compounded at +16.45% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.56% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +7.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.0% 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 -46.1% for CIL 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CIL charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIL currently yields 2.51% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

CIL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1007 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CILWeight in SPYDifference
ADP0.22%0.16%0.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CIL or SPY?

CIL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CIL or SPY?

Over the past year CIL returned +34.71% vs +21.71% for SPY, so CIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CIL annualized +7.68% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CIL or SPY?

CIL has been the more volatile fund at 29.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CIL -46.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CIL and SPY?

CIL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CIL and SPY?

CIL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1007 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CIL or SPY?

CIL yields 2.51% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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