ADX vs SPY
Adams Diversified Equity Fund Inc vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
ADX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ADX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.66% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.50% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.96% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.92% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Adams Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 1929 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ADX vs SPY Performance
Adams Diversified Equity Fund Inc (ADX) is a ETF from Adams Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ADX returned +22.50% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ADX is up 11.66% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, ADX compounded at +25.96% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.92% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, ADX has the edge at +14.98% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ADX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -58.8% for ADX 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
ADX and SPY share 90 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, ADX or SPY?
Over the past year ADX returned +22.50% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ADX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), ADX annualized +14.98% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ADX or SPY?
ADX has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ADX -58.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ADX and SPY?
ADX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ADX and SPY?
ADX and SPY share 90 common holdings with a 58.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ADX or SPY?
ADX yields 7.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ADX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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