GWX vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. GWX offers more diversification with 2,076 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GWX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $924M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,076 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.35% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.50% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.41% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.49% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GWX vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Small Cap ETF (GWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year GWX returned +23.50% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, GWX is up 13.35% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GWX compounded at +18.41% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.49% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +2.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -64.8% for GWX 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GWX charges 0.40% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $9 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GWX currently yields 2.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GWX or SPY?
GWX has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GWX or SPY?
Over the past year GWX returned +23.50% vs +21.82% for SPY, so GWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GWX annualized +2.04% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GWX or SPY?
GWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GWX -64.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GWX and SPY?
GWX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GWX and SPY?
GWX and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GWX or SPY?
GWX yields 2.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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