AWAY vs SPY
Amplify Travel Tech 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AWAY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $35M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -2.37% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.76% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.84% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.03% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AWAY vs SPY Performance
Amplify Travel Tech ETF (AWAY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AWAY returned -7.76% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, AWAY is down 2.37% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, AWAY compounded at +4.84% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -4.03% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -3.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AWAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -56.6% for AWAY 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AWAY charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AWAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AWAY and SPY share 4 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AWAY or SPY?
AWAY has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AWAY or SPY?
Over the past year AWAY returned -7.76% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AWAY annualized -3.10% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AWAY or SPY?
AWAY has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AWAY -56.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AWAY and SPY?
AWAY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AWAY and SPY?
AWAY and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AWAY or SPY?
AWAY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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