ASET vs SPY
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund 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 | ASET | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.77% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ASET vs SPY Performance
FlexShares Real Assets Allocation Index Fund (ASET) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ASET is up 16.77% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ASET compounded at +9.79% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.41% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +6.15%. 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 14.4% for ASET. 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 -42.8% for ASET 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASET charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASET currently yields 3.39% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASET or SPY?
ASET has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASET or SPY?
Over the past year ASET returned +9.25% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ASET annualized +6.15% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASET or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.4% for ASET. Worst drawdown: ASET -42.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ASET and SPY?
ASET and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASET or SPY?
ASET yields 3.39% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ASET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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