AHLT vs SPY
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $49M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +10.18% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.16% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AHLT vs SPY Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AHLT returned +33.16% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AHLT is up 10.18% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +7.26% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +7.26%. 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 14.6% for AHLT. 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 -20.2% for AHLT 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHLT currently yields 1.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AHLT or SPY?
AHLT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AHLT or SPY?
Over the past year AHLT returned +33.16% vs +21.96% for SPY, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +7.26% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for AHLT. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AHLT and SPY?
AHLT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and SPY?
AHLT and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or SPY?
AHLT yields 1.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AHLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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