SPY vs SUSA
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SUSA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $4.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.85% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 198 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +13.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +21.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +20.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +10.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -54.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 24, 2005 |
SPY vs SUSA Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF (SUSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while SUSA returned +21.61%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 13.01% for SUSA.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +20.53% for SUSA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +10.84% respectively. Across the full 22-year window we track, SUSA has the edge at +9.24% 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 15.2% for SUSA. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -54.9% for SUSA. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SUSA charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $25 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.85% for SUSA.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SUSA share 171 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 56.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SUSA?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SUSA charges 0.25%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SUSA?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +21.61% for SUSA, so SUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (22 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +9.24% for SUSA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SUSA?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for SUSA. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SUSA -54.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and SUSA?
SPY and SUSA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 SPY and SUSA?
SPY and SUSA share 171 common holdings with a 56.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SUSA?
SPY yields 1.01% while SUSA yields 0.85%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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