SPY vs UAE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares MSCI UAE 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 | UAE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $314M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 4.43% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +13.70% | +5.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.44% | +2.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.50% | +13.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.24% | +9.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 29, 2014 |
SPY vs UAE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares MSCI UAE ETF (UAE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.44% while UAE returned +2.18%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.70% versus a gain of 5.14% for UAE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.50% per year against +13.68% for UAE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.24% and +9.93% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -0.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UAE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -68.3% for UAE. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UAE charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $60 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 4.43% for UAE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UAE share 0 holdings out of 561 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 UAE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UAE charges 0.60%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UAE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.44% vs +2.18% for UAE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs -0.31% for UAE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UAE?
UAE has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UAE -68.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and UAE?
SPY and UAE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UAE?
SPY and UAE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UAE?
SPY yields 1.01% while UAE yields 4.43%, so UAE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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