QUSA vs SPY
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income 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 | QUSA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $22M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.87% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.10% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VistaShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QUSA vs SPY Performance
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is a ETF from VistaShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QUSA returned +5.10% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, QUSA is up 9.87% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.1% for QUSA. 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 -9.5% for QUSA 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
QUSA charges 0.97% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $9 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUSA currently yields 15.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QUSA and SPY share 28 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUSA or SPY?
QUSA has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUSA or SPY?
Over the past year QUSA returned +5.10% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QUSA annualized +7.96% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUSA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.1% for QUSA. Worst drawdown: QUSA -9.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QUSA and SPY?
QUSA 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 QUSA and SPY?
QUSA and SPY share 28 common holdings with a 36.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUSA or SPY?
QUSA yields 15.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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