BILS vs SPY
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BILS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.80% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +1.78% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.45% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.38% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BILS vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 3-12 Month T-Bill ETF (BILS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BILS returned +3.45% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BILS is up 1.78% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BILS compounded at +4.46% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +3.38% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.86%. 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 0.7% for BILS. 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 -0.4% for BILS 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BILS charges 0.14% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BILS currently yields 3.80% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BILS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, BILS or SPY?
BILS has an expense ratio of 0.14% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BILS or SPY?
Over the past year BILS returned +3.45% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BILS annualized +2.86% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BILS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.7% for BILS. Worst drawdown: BILS -0.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BILS and SPY?
BILS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BILS and SPY?
BILS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BILS or SPY?
BILS yields 3.80% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BILS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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