QWLD vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QWLD offers more diversification with 1,297 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QWLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $179M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,297 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.92% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.80% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.31% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QWLD vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QWLD returned +16.80% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QWLD is up 10.92% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, QWLD compounded at +17.31% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.09% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QWLD has the edge at +9.15% annualized vs +8.79%. 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 12.6% for QWLD. 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 -31.9% for QWLD 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QWLD charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QWLD currently yields 1.79% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QWLD and SPY share 443 holdings out of 1289 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QWLD or SPY?
QWLD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QWLD or SPY?
Over the past year QWLD returned +16.80% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QWLD annualized +9.15% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QWLD or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.6% for QWLD. Worst drawdown: QWLD -31.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QWLD and SPY?
QWLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 QWLD and SPY?
QWLD and SPY share 443 common holdings with a 51.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1289 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QWLD or SPY?
QWLD yields 1.79% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QWLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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