QUS vs SPY
QUS vs SPY
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. QUS offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 539 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.27% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.22% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.54% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QUS vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year QUS returned +21.22% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, QUS is up 12.27% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, QUS compounded at +17.54% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QUS has the edge at +11.77% 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 13.9% for QUS. 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 -33.8% for QUS 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUS charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUS currently yields 1.30% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QUS and SPY share 447 holdings out of 582 unique holdings combined, representing a 62.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QUS | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 3.06% | 7.09% | 4.03% |
| NVDA | 2.46% | 7.31% | 4.85% |
| MSFT | 2.89% | 4.43% | 1.54% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings QUS shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUS or SPY?
QUS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUS or SPY?
Over the past year QUS returned +21.22% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QUS annualized +11.77% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.9% for QUS. Worst drawdown: QUS -33.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QUS and SPY?
QUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QUS and SPY?
QUS and SPY share 447 common holdings with a 62.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUS or SPY?
QUS yields 1.30% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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