AFOS vs SPY
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $283M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +31.01% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.29% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AFOS vs SPY Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, AFOS is up 31.01% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and SPY share 23 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or SPY?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or SPY?
Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% vs +22.52% for SPY, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +71.06% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or SPY?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFOS and SPY?
AFOS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and SPY?
AFOS and SPY share 23 common holdings with a 22.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or SPY?
AFOS yields 0.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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