AAUA vs SPY
Alpha Architect US Equity 3 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
AAUA has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $365M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 354 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.21% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +21.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 18, 2026 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AAUA vs SPY Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 3 ETF (AAUA) 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, AAUA is up 17.21% versus a gain of 12.87% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.9% for AAUA 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
AAUA 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, AAUA currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AAUA and SPY share 344 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 91.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUA or SPY?
AAUA has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. AAUA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUA and SPY?
AAUA and SPY share 344 common holdings with a 91.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUA or SPY?
AAUA yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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