NSI vs SPY
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $42M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.73% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.10% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | National Security Index | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NSI vs SPY Performance
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is a ETF from National Security Index and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NSI returned +28.10% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NSI is up 10.73% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for NSI. 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 -16.6% for NSI 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSI charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NSI currently yields 1.23% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NSI and SPY share 0 holdings out of 603 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, NSI or SPY?
NSI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NSI or SPY?
Over the past year NSI returned +28.10% vs +20.83% for SPY, so NSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NSI annualized +20.33% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSI or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for NSI. Worst drawdown: NSI -16.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NSI and SPY?
NSI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSI and SPY?
NSI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSI or SPY?
NSI yields 1.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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