LQIG vs SPY
State Street SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
LQIG has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LQIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.07% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 371 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.13% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.27% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.73% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 11, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LQIG vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MarketAxess Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond ETF (LQIG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LQIG returned +6.27% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, LQIG is up 0.13% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, LQIG compounded at +4.73% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +3.61%. 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 9.1% for LQIG. 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 -11.9% for LQIG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LQIG charges 0.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $9 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LQIG currently yields 5.07% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LQIG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 586 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, LQIG or SPY?
LQIG has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. LQIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LQIG or SPY?
Over the past year LQIG returned +6.27% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LQIG annualized +3.61% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LQIG or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.1% for LQIG. Worst drawdown: LQIG -11.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LQIG and SPY?
LQIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LQIG and SPY?
LQIG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LQIG or SPY?
LQIG yields 5.07% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LQIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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