APLY vs SPY
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy 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 | APLY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $130M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 37.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.98% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.26% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.87% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
APLY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF (APLY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year APLY returned +18.26% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, APLY is up 3.98% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, APLY compounded at +9.87% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, APLY has the edge at +11.23% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
APLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -31.1% for APLY 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APLY charges 1.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $106 vs $9 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLY currently yields 37.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
APLY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, APLY or SPY?
APLY has an expense ratio of 1.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APLY or SPY?
Over the past year APLY returned +18.26% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APLY annualized +11.23% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APLY or SPY?
APLY has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: APLY -31.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both APLY and SPY?
APLY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APLY and SPY?
APLY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APLY or SPY?
APLY yields 37.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so APLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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