EQL vs SPY
ALPS Equal Sector Weight 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 | EQL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $758M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.50% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.86% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.03% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EQL vs SPY Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year EQL returned +19.86% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.50% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +16.03% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.91% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.12% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.27% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $9 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and SPY share 416 holdings out of 582 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or SPY?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.27% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or SPY?
Over the past year EQL returned +19.86% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EQL annualized +12.12% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EQL and SPY?
EQL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and SPY?
EQL and SPY share 416 common holdings with a 61.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or SPY?
EQL yields 1.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EQL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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