KSA vs SPY
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $625M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.40% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.63% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.38% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.89% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KSA vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KSA returned +3.63% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, KSA is up 4.40% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, KSA compounded at +0.38% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.89% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -65.5% for KSA 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSA charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSA currently yields 2.77% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KSA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 621 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, KSA or SPY?
KSA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSA or SPY?
Over the past year KSA returned +3.63% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), KSA annualized +2.18% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSA or SPY?
KSA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: KSA -65.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KSA and SPY?
KSA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSA and SPY?
KSA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSA or SPY?
KSA yields 2.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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