SPY vs SUSL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SUSL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SUSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.95% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 269 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +24.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +22.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +13.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 7, 2019 |
SPY vs SUSL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while SUSL returned +24.61%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 13.87% for SUSL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +22.61% for SUSL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +13.10% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SUSL has the edge at +16.54% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SUSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -34.3% for SUSL. 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 SUSL charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $10 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.95% for SUSL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SUSL share 238 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SUSL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SUSL charges 0.10%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SUSL?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +24.61% for SUSL, so SUSL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +16.54% for SUSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SUSL?
SUSL has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SUSL -34.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and SUSL?
SPY and SUSL 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 SUSL?
SPY and SUSL share 238 common holdings with a 52.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SUSL?
SPY yields 1.01% while SUSL yields 0.95%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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