SPY vs WIP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond 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 | WIP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $474M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.98% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 199 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +4.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +8.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +5.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | -0.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 13, 2008 |
SPY vs WIP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR FTSE International Government Inflation-Protected Bond ETF (WIP) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while WIP returned +8.80%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 4.21% for WIP.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +5.18% for WIP; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and -0.46% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -0.50%. 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 11.1% for WIP. 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 -34.4% for WIP. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WIP charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $50 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.98% for WIP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WIP share 0 holdings out of 510 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 WIP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WIP charges 0.50%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WIP?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +8.80% for WIP, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs -0.50% for WIP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WIP?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.1% for WIP. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WIP -34.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and WIP?
SPY and WIP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WIP?
SPY and WIP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WIP?
SPY yields 1.01% while WIP yields 5.98%, so WIP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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