SPY vs TLCI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Touchstone International Equity ETF
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 | SPY | TLCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.37% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $115M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.58% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +6.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +6.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -12.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Touchstone Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 3, 2025 |
SPY vs TLCI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Touchstone International Equity ETF (TLCI) is a ETF from Touchstone Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while TLCI returned +6.69%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 6.55% for TLCI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.7% for TLCI. 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 -12.2% for TLCI. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TLCI charges 0.37%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $37 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.58% for TLCI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TLCI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TLCI charges 0.37%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TLCI?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +6.69% for TLCI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +7.69% for TLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TLCI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.7% for TLCI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TLCI -12.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and TLCI?
SPY and TLCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TLCI?
SPY and TLCI share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TLCI?
SPY yields 1.01% while TLCI yields 0.58%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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