ABEQ vs SPY
Absolute Select Value 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ABEQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $144M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.10% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.88% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.50% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Absolute Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ABEQ vs SPY Performance
Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ) is a ETF from Absolute Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ABEQ returned +12.88% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, ABEQ is up 9.10% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, ABEQ compounded at +13.50% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +8.26%. 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 12.9% for ABEQ. 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 -27.8% for ABEQ 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ABEQ charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABEQ currently yields 1.18% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ABEQ and SPY share 10 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ABEQ or SPY?
ABEQ has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ABEQ or SPY?
Over the past year ABEQ returned +12.88% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ABEQ annualized +8.26% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ABEQ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for ABEQ. Worst drawdown: ABEQ -27.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ABEQ and SPY?
ABEQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ABEQ and SPY?
ABEQ and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ABEQ or SPY?
ABEQ yields 1.18% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ABEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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