ARLU vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricARLUSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.09%
AUM$54M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return+8.31%+13.75%
1Y Return+15.37%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)10.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 28, 2024Jan 22, 1993

ARLU vs SPY Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARLU returned +15.37% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, ARLU is up 8.31% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.4% for ARLU. 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 -15.4% for ARLU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ARLU charges 0.74% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $9 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARLU currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ARLU or SPY?

ARLU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ARLU or SPY?

Over the past year ARLU returned +15.37% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARLU annualized +12.26% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ARLU or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.4% for ARLU. Worst drawdown: ARLU -15.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both ARLU and SPY?

ARLU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, ARLU or SPY?

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

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.