LQ vs SPY

LQ vs SPY
See what your portfolio actually owns
Your funds unpacked, overlap, fees and score, free on screen. The full report is $25, once. Download sample.
X-ray my portfolio free

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLQSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.09%
AUM$2M$821.1B
Dividend Yield0.21%1.01%
Holdings15505
YTD Return-1.80%+12.22%
1Y Return-+20.83%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.98%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-6.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 4, 2026Jan 22, 1993

LQ vs SPY Performance

Simplify Tax Aware Alternatives ETF (LQ) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, LQ is down 1.80% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.6% for LQ and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LQ 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, LQ currently yields 0.21% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LQ or SPY?

LQ 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 pays a higher dividend, LQ or SPY?

LQ yields 0.21% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See what your portfolio actually owns
Your funds unpacked, overlap, fees and score, free on screen. The full report is $25, once. Download sample.
X-ray my portfolio free