BAMU vs SPY
Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond 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 | BAMU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $67M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.16% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.31% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Brookstone Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BAMU vs SPY Performance
Brookstone Ultra-Short Bond ETF (BAMU) 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 BAMU returned +2.16% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BAMU is up 0.88% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BAMU compounded at +3.31% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.31%. 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 0.5% for BAMU. 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 -0.7% for BAMU 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAMU charges 1.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $9 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAMU currently yields 3.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BAMU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 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, BAMU or SPY?
BAMU has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAMU or SPY?
Over the past year BAMU returned +2.16% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BAMU annualized +3.31% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAMU or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.5% for BAMU. Worst drawdown: BAMU -0.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BAMU and SPY?
BAMU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAMU and SPY?
BAMU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAMU or SPY?
BAMU yields 3.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BAMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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