BAMA 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

MetricBAMASPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.09%
AUM$50M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.32%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return+9.18%+13.68%
1Y Return+14.89%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)9.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-12.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyBrookstone Asset ManagementState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 28, 2023Jan 22, 1993

BAMA vs SPY Performance

Brookstone Active ETF (BAMA) is a ETF from Brookstone Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BAMA returned +14.89% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BAMA is up 9.18% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.0% for BAMA. 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 -12.3% for BAMA 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

BAMA charges 0.99% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $9 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAMA currently yields 1.32% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BAMA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BAMA or SPY?

BAMA has an expense ratio of 0.99% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BAMA or SPY?

Over the past year BAMA returned +14.89% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BAMA annualized +16.01% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BAMA or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.0% for BAMA. Worst drawdown: BAMA -12.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BAMA and SPY?

BAMA 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.

What is the holdings overlap between BAMA and SPY?

BAMA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BAMA or SPY?

BAMA yields 1.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BAMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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