KWT vs SPY
iShares MSCI Kuwait 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 | KWT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $68M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -3.10% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.27% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.51% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KWT vs SPY Performance
iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF (KWT) 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 KWT returned -2.27% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, KWT is down 3.10% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, KWT compounded at +9.58% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.51% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KWT has the edge at +11.68% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.7% for KWT. 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 -24.4% for KWT 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KWT charges 0.74% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $9 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KWT currently yields 5.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KWT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 540 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, KWT or SPY?
KWT has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KWT or SPY?
Over the past year KWT returned -2.27% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KWT annualized +11.68% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KWT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for KWT. Worst drawdown: KWT -24.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KWT and SPY?
KWT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KWT and SPY?
KWT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KWT or SPY?
KWT yields 5.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.