IWLG vs SPY
NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF 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 | IWLG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $334M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.03% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.27% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.65% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | New York Life Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IWLG vs SPY Performance
NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) is a ETF from New York Life Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IWLG returned +9.27% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, IWLG is up 4.03% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IWLG compounded at +21.65% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, IWLG has the edge at +21.35% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -23.2% for IWLG 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWLG charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWLG currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IWLG and SPY share 35 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWLG or SPY?
IWLG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWLG or SPY?
Over the past year IWLG returned +9.27% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IWLG annualized +21.35% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWLG or SPY?
IWLG has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IWLG -23.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IWLG and SPY?
IWLG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IWLG and SPY?
IWLG and SPY share 35 common holdings with a 39.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWLG or SPY?
IWLG yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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