IHDG vs SPY
WisdomTree International Hedged Quality Dividend Growth Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHDG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 271 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.13% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.98% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.86% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.70% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IHDG vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree International Hedged Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IHDG) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IHDG returned +18.98% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IHDG is up 9.13% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IHDG compounded at +12.86% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.70% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +8.29%. 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 12.6% for IHDG. 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 -29.2% for IHDG 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
IHDG charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHDG currently yields 1.80% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IHDG or SPY?
IHDG has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHDG or SPY?
Over the past year IHDG returned +18.98% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IHDG annualized +8.29% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHDG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for IHDG. Worst drawdown: IHDG -29.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IHDG and SPY?
IHDG 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 IHDG and SPY?
IHDG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 768 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHDG or SPY?
IHDG yields 1.80% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IHDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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