IQSI vs SPY
NYLI Candriam International Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQSI offers more diversification with 648 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $275M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.69% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 648 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.11% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.01% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.27% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.54% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IQSI vs SPY Performance
NYLI Candriam International Equity ETF (IQSI) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IQSI returned +18.01% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, IQSI is up 12.11% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, IQSI compounded at +17.27% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.54% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IQSI has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -31.9% for IQSI 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
IQSI charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSI currently yields 2.69% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IQSI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1065 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, IQSI or SPY?
IQSI has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSI or SPY?
Over the past year IQSI returned +18.01% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IQSI annualized +9.41% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSI or SPY?
IQSI has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IQSI -31.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IQSI and SPY?
IQSI 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 IQSI and SPY?
IQSI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1065 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSI or SPY?
IQSI yields 2.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IQSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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