BESF vs SPY
Bastion Energy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BESF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BESF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $34M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.96% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.91% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | EA Series Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BESF vs SPY Performance
Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) is a ETF from EA Series Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BESF returned +62.91% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, BESF is up 17.96% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BESF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -11.0% for BESF 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 -0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BESF charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BESF currently yields 5.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BESF and SPY share 7 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BESF or SPY?
BESF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BESF or SPY?
Over the past year BESF returned +62.91% vs +20.83% for SPY, so BESF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BESF annualized +56.76% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BESF or SPY?
BESF has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BESF -11.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BESF and SPY?
BESF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BESF and SPY?
BESF and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BESF or SPY?
BESF yields 5.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BESF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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