RWX vs SPY
State Street SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate 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 | RWX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $266M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.83% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.57% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.12% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.14% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.96% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RWX vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF (RWX) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RWX returned +4.12% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, RWX is up 0.57% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, RWX compounded at +8.14% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -1.96% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -2.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -75.2% for RWX 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWX charges 0.59% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $9 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RWX currently yields 3.83% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RWX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 630 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, RWX or SPY?
RWX has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RWX or SPY?
Over the past year RWX returned +4.12% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), RWX annualized -2.83% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWX or SPY?
RWX has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RWX -75.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RWX and SPY?
RWX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWX and SPY?
RWX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWX or SPY?
RWX yields 3.83% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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