NCIQ vs SPY
Hashdex Nasdaq CME Crypto Index 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 | NCIQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $266M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -17.79% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -36.77% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hashdex | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NCIQ vs SPY Performance
Hashdex Nasdaq CME Crypto Index ETF (NCIQ) is a ETF from Hashdex and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NCIQ returned -36.77% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NCIQ is down 17.79% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NCIQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.2% 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 -57.0% for NCIQ 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NCIQ charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NCIQ currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NCIQ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, NCIQ or SPY?
NCIQ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NCIQ or SPY?
Over the past year NCIQ returned -36.77% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NCIQ annualized -16.35% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NCIQ or SPY?
NCIQ has been the more volatile fund at 43.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NCIQ -57.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NCIQ and SPY?
NCIQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NCIQ and SPY?
NCIQ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NCIQ or SPY?
NCIQ yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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