Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAPDBSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.09%
AUM$4M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return+2.90%+13.79%
1Y Return-+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)-15.3%
Max Drawdown-1.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAptus ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 5, 2026Jan 22, 1993

APDB vs SPY Performance

Aptus April Deep Buffer ETF (APDB) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Year to date, APDB is up 2.90% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -1.7% for APDB and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

APDB charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APDB currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, APDB or SPY?

APDB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which pays a higher dividend, APDB or SPY?

APDB yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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