ECNS vs SPY
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap 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 | ECNS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $64M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.69% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 275 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -9.08% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.31% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.82% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.55% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ECNS vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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 ECNS returned -11.31% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, ECNS is down 9.08% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, ECNS compounded at +6.82% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -6.55% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECNS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -64.9% for ECNS 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECNS charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECNS currently yields 6.69% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ECNS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 770 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, ECNS or SPY?
ECNS has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECNS or SPY?
Over the past year ECNS returned -11.31% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECNS annualized -1.74% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECNS or SPY?
ECNS has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ECNS -64.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ECNS and SPY?
ECNS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECNS and SPY?
ECNS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 770 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECNS or SPY?
ECNS yields 6.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ECNS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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