INEQ vs SPY
Columbia International Equity Income ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. INEQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INEQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $92M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.60% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.49% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.78% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
INEQ vs SPY Performance
Columbia International Equity Income ETF (INEQ) 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 INEQ returned +24.60% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, INEQ is up 14.95% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, INEQ compounded at +22.49% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.78% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INEQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -47.2% for INEQ 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INEQ charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INEQ currently yields 9.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
INEQ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 603 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INEQ or SPY?
INEQ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INEQ or SPY?
Over the past year INEQ returned +24.60% vs +21.82% for SPY, so INEQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), INEQ annualized +8.17% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INEQ or SPY?
INEQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: INEQ -47.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both INEQ and SPY?
INEQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INEQ and SPY?
INEQ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INEQ or SPY?
INEQ yields 9.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so INEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.