SPY vs WOOD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares Global Timber & Forestry 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 | WOOD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $268M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.34% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +0.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +0.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +1.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -1.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 22.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -63.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 24, 2008 |
SPY vs WOOD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF (WOOD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WOOD returned +0.06%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 0.42% for WOOD.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +1.83% for WOOD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -1.79% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +2.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WOOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% 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 -63.8% for WOOD. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WOOD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $39 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.34% for WOOD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WOOD share 3 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WOOD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WOOD charges 0.39%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WOOD?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +0.06% for WOOD, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +2.79% for WOOD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WOOD?
WOOD has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WOOD -63.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and WOOD?
SPY and WOOD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WOOD?
SPY and WOOD share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WOOD?
SPY yields 1.01% while WOOD yields 2.34%, so WOOD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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