SPY vs URTH
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares MSCI World ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. URTH delivered stronger 1-year returns. URTH offers more diversification with 1,310 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | URTH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.24% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $8.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.40% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 1,310 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +12.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +21.97% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +21.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +11.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 10, 2012 |
SPY vs URTH Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while URTH returned +21.97%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 12.85% for URTH.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +21.13% for URTH; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +11.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, URTH has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 14.0% for URTH. 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 -34.0% for URTH. 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 0.97. 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 URTH charges 0.24%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $24 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.40% for URTH.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and URTH share 394 holdings out of 1163 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or URTH?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while URTH charges 0.24%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or URTH?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +21.97% for URTH, so URTH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +10.84% for URTH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or URTH?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.0% for URTH. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs URTH -34.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and URTH?
SPY and URTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 URTH?
SPY and URTH share 394 common holdings with a 66.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1163 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or URTH?
SPY yields 1.01% while URTH yields 1.40%, so URTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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