SOXQ vs SPY
Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SOXQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOXQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +59.67% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +110.51% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +50.30% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +29.73% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SOXQ vs SPY Performance
Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SOXQ returned +110.51% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SOXQ is up 59.67% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SOXQ compounded at +50.30% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +29.73% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SOXQ has the edge at +29.49% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% 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 -46.0% for SOXQ 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
SOXQ charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXQ currently yields 0.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SOXQ and SPY share 18 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOXQ or SPY?
SOXQ has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXQ or SPY?
Over the past year SOXQ returned +110.51% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SOXQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SOXQ annualized +29.49% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXQ or SPY?
SOXQ has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SOXQ -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SOXQ and SPY?
SOXQ 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 SOXQ and SPY?
SOXQ and SPY share 18 common holdings with a 16.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXQ or SPY?
SOXQ yields 0.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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