BKSE vs SPY
BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
BKSE has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. BKSE offers more diversification with 590 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKSE | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $87M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 603 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -59.56% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | -56.53% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -18.08% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.35% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BKSE vs SPY Performance
BNY Mellon US Small Cap Core Equity ETF (BKSE) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BKSE returned -56.53% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BKSE is down 59.56% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BKSE compounded at -18.08% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -12.35% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -1.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BKSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.5% 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 -67.3% for BKSE 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKSE charges 0.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKSE currently yields 0.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BKSE and SPY share 0 holdings out of 1093 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, BKSE or SPY?
BKSE has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. BKSE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKSE or SPY?
Over the past year BKSE returned -56.53% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKSE annualized -1.57% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKSE or SPY?
BKSE has been the more volatile fund at 33.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BKSE -67.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BKSE and SPY?
BKSE and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKSE and SPY?
BKSE and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1093 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKSE or SPY?
BKSE yields 0.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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