QLTA vs SPY
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLTA offers more diversification with 1236 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLTA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 3,482 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.75% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.50% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.52% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QLTA vs SPY Performance
iShares Aaa A Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QLTA returned +0.99% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, QLTA is down 0.75% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, QLTA compounded at +4.50% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.52% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +0.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.8% for QLTA. 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 -23.0% for QLTA 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLTA charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLTA currently yields 4.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QLTA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 1738 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLTA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE | 0.05% | 0.61% | 0.56% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLTA or SPY?
QLTA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLTA or SPY?
Over the past year QLTA returned +0.99% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLTA annualized +0.79% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLTA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.8% for QLTA. Worst drawdown: QLTA -23.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QLTA and SPY?
QLTA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLTA and SPY?
QLTA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1738 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLTA or SPY?
QLTA yields 4.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QLTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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