SPY vs THD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares MSCI Thailand ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. THD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | THD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $356M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.50% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 87 | |
| YTD Return | +13.70% | +26.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.44% | +34.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.50% | +6.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +3.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 24.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -64.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 26, 2008 |
SPY vs THD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares MSCI Thailand ETF (THD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.44% while THD returned +34.33%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.70% versus a gain of 26.22% for THD.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.50% per year against +6.41% for THD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.24% and +3.09% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +2.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -64.2% for THD. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while THD charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $59 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.50% for THD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and THD share 0 holdings out of 587 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, SPY or THD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while THD charges 0.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or THD?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.44% vs +34.33% for THD, so THD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +2.79% for THD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or THD?
THD has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs THD -64.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and THD?
SPY and THD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and THD?
SPY and THD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or THD?
SPY yields 1.01% while THD yields 3.50%, so THD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.