EQIN vs SPY
Columbia US Equity Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EQIN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQIN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $296M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.49% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.89% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.30% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.14% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EQIN vs SPY Performance
Columbia US Equity Income ETF (EQIN) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EQIN returned +22.89% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, EQIN is up 15.49% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, EQIN compounded at +15.30% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.14% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, EQIN has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQIN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -44.4% for EQIN 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQIN charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQIN currently yields 1.86% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EQIN and SPY share 94 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQIN or SPY?
EQIN has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQIN or SPY?
Over the past year EQIN returned +22.89% vs +21.71% for SPY, so EQIN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EQIN annualized +9.82% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQIN or SPY?
EQIN has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EQIN -44.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EQIN and SPY?
EQIN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQIN and SPY?
EQIN and SPY share 94 common holdings with a 14.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQIN or SPY?
EQIN yields 1.86% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EQIN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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