QALT vs SPY
SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative 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 | QALT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $192M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.44% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.53% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.28% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QALT vs SPY Performance
SEI DBi Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (QALT) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QALT returned +13.28% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, QALT is up 7.53% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.2% for QALT. 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 -4.8% for QALT 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QALT charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QALT currently yields 5.44% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QALT or SPY?
QALT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QALT or SPY?
Over the past year QALT returned +13.28% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QALT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.2% for QALT. Worst drawdown: QALT -4.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QALT and SPY?
QALT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QALT or SPY?
QALT yields 5.44% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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