AAEQ vs SPY
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
AAEQ has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $491M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 355 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.51% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AAEQ vs SPY Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.51% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and SPY share 343 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 90.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or SPY?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. AAEQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and SPY?
AAEQ and SPY share 343 common holdings with a 90.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or SPY?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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