IQDG vs SPY
WisdomTree International 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 | IQDG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $731M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.94% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.12% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.22% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IQDG vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree International Quality Dividend Growth Fund (IQDG) 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 IQDG returned +15.67% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IQDG is up 6.94% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IQDG compounded at +12.12% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.22% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +8.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQDG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -35.0% for IQDG 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQDG charges 0.42% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $9 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQDG currently yields 2.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQDG or SPY?
IQDG has an expense ratio of 0.42% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQDG or SPY?
Over the past year IQDG returned +15.67% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IQDG annualized +8.15% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQDG or SPY?
IQDG has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IQDG -35.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IQDG and SPY?
IQDG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQDG and SPY?
IQDG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 760 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQDG or SPY?
IQDG yields 2.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IQDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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