MQY vs SPY
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc 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 | MQY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.77% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.46% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.19% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.94% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.93% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 1992 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MQY vs SPY Performance
BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund, Inc (MQY) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MQY returned +8.19% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, MQY is up 1.46% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, MQY compounded at +5.94% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -2.93% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +0.49%. 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 12.5% for MQY. 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 -50.0% for MQY 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MQY charges 1.90% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $190 vs $9 annually, a gap of $181 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MQY currently yields 5.77% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MQY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 705 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, MQY or SPY?
MQY has an expense ratio of 1.90% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $181 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MQY or SPY?
Over the past year MQY returned +8.19% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), MQY annualized +0.49% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MQY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.5% for MQY. Worst drawdown: MQY -50.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MQY and SPY?
MQY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MQY and SPY?
MQY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 705 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MQY or SPY?
MQY yields 5.77% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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