ADME vs SPY
Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity 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 | ADME | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $310M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.78% | +12.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.04% | +20.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.37% | +21.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.06% | +12.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ADME vs SPY Performance
Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF (ADME) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ADME returned +14.04% while SPY returned +20.53%. Year to date, ADME is up 9.78% versus a gain of 12.71% for SPY.
Over three years, ADME compounded at +16.37% per year against +21.60% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.06% and +12.79% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +8.48%. 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 13.5% for ADME. 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 -28.7% for ADME 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ADME charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ADME currently yields 0.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ADME and SPY share 157 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 73.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ADME or SPY?
ADME has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ADME or SPY?
Over the past year ADME returned +14.04% vs +20.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ADME annualized +8.48% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADME or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.5% for ADME. Worst drawdown: ADME -28.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ADME and SPY?
ADME and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADME and SPY?
ADME and SPY share 157 common holdings with a 73.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADME or SPY?
ADME yields 0.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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