AOM vs SPY
iShares Core 40/60 Moderate Allocation 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 | AOM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.60% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.97% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.70% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AOM vs SPY Performance
iShares Core 40/60 Moderate Allocation ETF (AOM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AOM returned +11.17% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, AOM is up 5.60% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, AOM compounded at +10.97% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +4.70% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.09%. 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 7.3% for AOM. 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 -20.0% for AOM 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOM charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOM currently yields 2.98% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AOM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 511 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, AOM or SPY?
AOM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOM or SPY?
Over the past year AOM returned +11.17% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AOM annualized +5.09% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.3% for AOM. Worst drawdown: AOM -20.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AOM and SPY?
AOM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AOM and SPY?
AOM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOM or SPY?
AOM yields 2.98% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AOM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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