AVIG vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVIG offers more diversification with 772 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: AVIG

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAVIGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.09%
AUM$1.9B$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.34%1.01%
Holdings782505
YTD Return-0.36%+14.47%
1Y Return+1.89%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.78%+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-0.27%+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)6.5%15.3%
Max Drawdown-19.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAvantis InvestorsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 13, 2020Jan 22, 1993

AVIG vs SPY Performance

Avantis Core Fixed Income ETF (AVIG) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AVIG returned +1.89% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AVIG is down 0.36% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Over three years, AVIG compounded at +4.78% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.27% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -0.26%. 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 6.5% for AVIG. 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 -19.7% for AVIG 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AVIG charges 0.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVIG currently yields 4.34% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

AVIG and SPY share 2 holdings out of 1273 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AVIGWeight in SPYDifference
GE0.04%0.61%0.57%
AON0.07%0.12%0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AVIG or SPY?

AVIG has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AVIG or SPY?

Over the past year AVIG returned +1.89% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AVIG annualized -0.26% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AVIG or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.5% for AVIG. Worst drawdown: AVIG -19.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both AVIG and SPY?

AVIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AVIG and SPY?

AVIG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1273 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AVIG or SPY?

AVIG yields 4.34% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AVIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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