QSML vs SPY
QSML vs SPY
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QSML | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $12M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 391 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.04% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.06% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QSML vs SPY Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Quality Growth Fund (QSML) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QSML returned +32.06% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, QSML is up 21.04% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QSML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -28.3% for QSML 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QSML charges 0.38% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $9 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QSML currently yields 0.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QSML and SPY share 0 holdings out of 890 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, QSML or SPY?
QSML has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QSML or SPY?
Over the past year QSML returned +32.06% vs +23.66% for SPY, so QSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QSML annualized +14.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QSML or SPY?
QSML has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QSML -28.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QSML and SPY?
QSML and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QSML and SPY?
QSML and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QSML or SPY?
QSML yields 0.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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