IQSU vs SPY
NYLI Candriam US Large Cap Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
IQSU has a lower expense ratio. IQSU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQSU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $338M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 268 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.16% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.60% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.35% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IQSU vs SPY Performance
NYLI Candriam US Large Cap Equity ETF (IQSU) 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 IQSU returned +25.60% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IQSU is up 15.16% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IQSU compounded at +19.24% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.35% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, IQSU has the edge at +15.77% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -31.3% for IQSU 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQSU charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQSU currently yields 1.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IQSU and SPY share 244 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 56.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IQSU or SPY?
IQSU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. IQSU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQSU or SPY?
Over the past year IQSU returned +25.60% vs +21.82% for SPY, so IQSU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), IQSU annualized +15.77% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQSU or SPY?
IQSU has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IQSU -31.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IQSU and SPY?
IQSU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IQSU and SPY?
IQSU and SPY share 244 common holdings with a 56.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQSU or SPY?
IQSU yields 1.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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