SPY vs WSML
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. WSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. WSML offers more diversification with 1555 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | WSML | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $654M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.76% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 3,540 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +29.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.7% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 1, 2025 |
SPY vs WSML Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while WSML returned +29.74%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 17.27% for WSML.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.0% for WSML. 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 -10.7% for WSML. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WSML charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $30 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.76% for WSML.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WSML share 46 holdings out of 2012 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WSML?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WSML charges 0.30%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WSML?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +29.74% for WSML, so WSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +37.08% for WSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WSML?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.0% for WSML. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WSML -10.7%.
Should I hold both SPY and WSML?
SPY and WSML have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WSML?
SPY and WSML share 46 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2012 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WSML?
SPY yields 1.01% while WSML yields 2.76%, so WSML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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