MSCI vs. SPY
Compare and contrast key facts about MSCI Inc. (MSCI) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).
SPY is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index. It was launched on Jan 22, 1993.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: MSCI or SPY.
Key characteristics
| MSCI | SPY | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -15.30% | 7.26% |
| 1Y Return | 4.04% | 25.03% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 0.26% | 8.37% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 17.25% | 13.44% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 29.00% | 12.49% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.19 | 2.35 |
| Daily Std Dev | 28.62% | 11.68% |
| Max Drawdown | -69.06% | -55.19% |
| Current Drawdown | -27.57% | -2.85% |
Correlation
The correlation between MSCI and SPY is 0.63, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
MSCI vs. SPY - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, MSCI achieves a -15.30% return, which is significantly lower than SPY's 7.26% return. Over the past 10 years, MSCI has outperformed SPY with an annualized return of 29.00%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively lower 12.49% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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Risk-Adjusted Performance
MSCI vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MSCI Inc. (MSCI) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Dividends
MSCI vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison
MSCI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.20%, less than SPY's 1.32% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSCI MSCI Inc. | 1.20% | 0.98% | 0.98% | 0.59% | 0.65% | 0.98% | 1.30% | 1.04% | 1.27% | 1.11% | 0.38% | 0.00% |
SPY SPDR S&P 500 ETF | 1.32% | 1.40% | 1.65% | 1.20% | 1.52% | 1.75% | 2.04% | 1.80% | 2.03% | 2.06% | 1.87% | 1.81% |
Drawdowns
MSCI vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum MSCI drawdown since its inception was -69.06%, which is greater than SPY's maximum drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSCI and SPY. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
MSCI vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison
MSCI Inc. (MSCI) has a higher volatility of 16.62% compared to SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) at 3.58%. This indicates that MSCI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.