SPY vs WWJD

SPY vs WWJD
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Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYWWJDWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.66%
AUM$821.1B$569M
Dividend Yield1.01%2.49%
Holdings505218
YTD Return+12.22%+12.90%
1Y Return+20.83%+19.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.70%+17.87%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.98%+8.73%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%18.7%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-35.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementInspire ETFs
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 22, 1993Sep 30, 2019

SPY vs WWJD Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Inspire International ETF (WWJD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while WWJD returned +19.23%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 12.90% for WWJD.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +17.87% for WWJD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +8.73% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, WWJD has the edge at +11.59% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

WWJD 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 -35.8% for WWJD. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while WWJD charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $66 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.49% for WWJD.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

SPY and WWJD share 2 holdings out of 701 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPYWeight in WWJDDifference
GRMN0.08%0.56%0.48%
NXPI0.09%0.47%0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or WWJD?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WWJD charges 0.66%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or WWJD?

Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +19.23% for WWJD, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +11.59% for WWJD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or WWJD?

WWJD has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WWJD -35.8%.

Should I hold both SPY and WWJD?

SPY and WWJD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WWJD?

SPY and WWJD share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 701 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WWJD?

SPY yields 1.01% while WWJD yields 2.49%, so WWJD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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