CNYA vs SPY
iShares MSCI China A 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CNYA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $204M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 416 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.81% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.79% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.39% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.99% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
CNYA vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) 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 CNYA returned +18.79% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, CNYA is up 3.81% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, CNYA compounded at +10.39% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.99% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +5.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNYA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -49.5% for CNYA 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
CNYA charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNYA currently yields 1.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
CNYA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 909 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, CNYA or SPY?
CNYA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNYA or SPY?
Over the past year CNYA returned +18.79% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CNYA annualized +5.91% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNYA or SPY?
CNYA has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CNYA -49.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both CNYA and SPY?
CNYA 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 CNYA and SPY?
CNYA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 909 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNYA or SPY?
CNYA yields 1.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CNYA 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.