EPOL vs SPY
iShares MSCI Poland ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EPOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPOL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $675M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.81% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.36% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.23% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.94% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.37% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EPOL vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) 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 EPOL returned +38.23% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, EPOL is up 23.36% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, EPOL compounded at +36.94% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +19.37% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.7% 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 -72.4% for EPOL 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPOL 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, EPOL currently yields 3.81% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EPOL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 536 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, EPOL or SPY?
EPOL 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, EPOL or SPY?
Over the past year EPOL returned +38.23% vs +22.52% for SPY, so EPOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPOL annualized +4.83% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPOL or SPY?
EPOL has been the more volatile fund at 27.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EPOL -72.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EPOL and SPY?
EPOL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPOL and SPY?
EPOL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPOL or SPY?
EPOL yields 3.81% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EPOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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