AUGW 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

MetricAUGWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.09%
AUM$134M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return+6.43%+13.39%
1Y Return+10.89%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.92%+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)5.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-8.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 31, 2023Jan 22, 1993

AUGW vs SPY Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Aug ETF (AUGW) 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 AUGW returned +10.89% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, AUGW is up 6.43% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Over three years, AUGW compounded at +11.92% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, AUGW has the edge at +11.36% annualized vs +8.84%. 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 5.6% for AUGW. 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 -8.8% for AUGW 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AUGW 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, AUGW currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AUGW or SPY?

AUGW 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, AUGW or SPY?

Over the past year AUGW returned +10.89% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AUGW annualized +11.36% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AUGW or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.6% for AUGW. Worst drawdown: AUGW -8.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both AUGW and SPY?

AUGW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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, AUGW or SPY?

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

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