ACES vs SPY
ALPS Clean Energy 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $109M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ACES vs SPY Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -79.0% for ACES 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $9 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and SPY share 3 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or SPY?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or SPY?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or SPY?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ACES and SPY?
ACES and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and SPY?
ACES and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or SPY?
ACES yields 1.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ACES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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