EQLT vs SPY
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. EQLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 321 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.82% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.36% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.70% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.70% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
EQLT vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Quality Factor ETF (EQLT) 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 EQLT returned +46.36% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, EQLT is up 24.82% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, EQLT compounded at +2.70% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.70% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -45.8% for EQLT 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQLT 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, EQLT currently yields 2.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
EQLT and SPY share 3 holdings out of 798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQLT or SPY?
EQLT 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, EQLT or SPY?
Over the past year EQLT returned +46.36% vs +22.91% for SPY, so EQLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), EQLT annualized +3.64% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQLT or SPY?
EQLT has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: EQLT -45.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both EQLT and SPY?
EQLT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EQLT and SPY?
EQLT and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQLT or SPY?
EQLT yields 2.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so EQLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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