QARP vs SPY
Xtrackers Russell 1000 US QARP ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QARP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QARP | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $76M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.29% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.36% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.41% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QARP vs SPY Performance
Xtrackers Russell 1000 US QARP ETF (QARP) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QARP returned +24.36% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, QARP is up 16.29% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, QARP compounded at +18.41% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QARP has the edge at +13.79% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QARP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -35.9% for QARP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QARP charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QARP currently yields 1.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QARP and SPY share 240 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QARP or SPY?
QARP has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QARP or SPY?
Over the past year QARP returned +24.36% vs +21.96% for SPY, so QARP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QARP annualized +13.79% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QARP or SPY?
QARP has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QARP -35.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QARP and SPY?
QARP and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QARP and SPY?
QARP and SPY share 240 common holdings with a 50.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QARP or SPY?
QARP yields 1.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QARP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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