INTL vs SPY
INTL vs SPY
Main International ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $230M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.41% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.93% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
INTL vs SPY Performance
Main International ETF (INTL) is a ETF from Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year INTL returned +18.93% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, INTL is up 10.41% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, INTL compounded at +15.38% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, INTL has the edge at +14.68% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 13.2% for INTL. 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 -14.5% for INTL and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTL charges 0.84% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $9 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTL currently yields 3.38% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
INTL and SPY share 0 holdings out of 512 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, INTL or SPY?
INTL has an expense ratio of 0.84% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTL or SPY?
Over the past year INTL returned +18.93% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), INTL annualized +14.68% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTL or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.2% for INTL. Worst drawdown: INTL -14.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both INTL and SPY?
INTL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INTL and SPY?
INTL and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTL or SPY?
INTL yields 3.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so INTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.