QIS vs SPY
Simplify Multi-QIS 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QIS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.21% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $37M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -30.05% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | -49.66% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -24.22% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QIS vs SPY Performance
Simplify Multi-QIS Alternative ETF (QIS) is a ETF from Simplify 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 QIS returned -49.66% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, QIS is down 30.05% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, QIS compounded at -24.22% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -23.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -63.5% for QIS 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
QIS charges 1.21% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $121 vs $9 annually, a gap of $112 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QIS currently yields 2.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QIS 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, QIS or SPY?
QIS has an expense ratio of 1.21% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $112 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QIS or SPY?
Over the past year QIS returned -49.66% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QIS annualized -23.43% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QIS or SPY?
QIS has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QIS -63.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QIS and SPY?
QIS 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 QIS and SPY?
QIS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QIS or SPY?
QIS yields 2.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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