SPY vs WLDR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $96M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.30% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 116 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +32.05% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +50.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +32.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +18.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 16, 2018 |
SPY vs WLDR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WLDR returned +50.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 32.05% for WLDR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +32.77% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +18.89% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WLDR has the edge at +11.62% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $67 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.30% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WLDR share 49 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WLDR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WLDR charges 0.67%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WLDR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +50.28% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +11.62% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and WLDR?
SPY and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WLDR?
SPY and WLDR share 49 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WLDR?
SPY yields 1.01% while WLDR yields 1.30%, so WLDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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