BFOR vs SPY
Barron'S 400 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BFOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFOR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $239M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 396 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.44% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.60% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.25% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BFOR vs SPY Performance
Barron'S 400 ETF (BFOR) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BFOR returned +23.60% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, BFOR is up 17.44% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, BFOR compounded at +20.25% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BFOR has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BFOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.2% for BFOR 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFOR charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFOR currently yields 0.52% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BFOR and SPY share 134 holdings out of 753 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFOR or SPY?
BFOR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFOR or SPY?
Over the past year BFOR returned +23.60% vs +20.62% for SPY, so BFOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BFOR annualized +11.31% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFOR or SPY?
BFOR has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BFOR -42.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BFOR and SPY?
BFOR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFOR and SPY?
BFOR and SPY share 134 common holdings with a 16.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 753 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFOR or SPY?
BFOR yields 0.52% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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