SPY vs VALQ
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs American Century US Quality Value ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VALQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $330M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.80% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 227 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +10.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +16.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +14.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +9.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -38.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | American Century Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 11, 2018 |
SPY vs VALQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and American Century US Quality Value ETF (VALQ) is a ETF from American Century Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while VALQ returned +16.06%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 10.63% for VALQ.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +14.95% for VALQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +9.22% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VALQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -38.2% for VALQ. 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 0.91. 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 VALQ charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $29 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.80% for VALQ.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VALQ share 155 holdings out of 571 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VALQ?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VALQ charges 0.29%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VALQ?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +16.06% for VALQ, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +8.41% for VALQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VALQ?
VALQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VALQ -38.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and VALQ?
SPY and VALQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VALQ?
SPY and VALQ share 155 common holdings with a 28.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VALQ?
SPY yields 1.01% while VALQ yields 1.80%, so VALQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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