BLCN vs SPY
Siren NexGen Economy 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 | BLCN | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $33M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.93% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.52% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.07% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.21% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SRN Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 16, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BLCN vs SPY Performance
Siren NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) is a ETF from SRN Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BLCN returned +0.52% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, BLCN is up 0.93% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, BLCN compounded at +2.07% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -11.21% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs +1.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLCN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.1% 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 -67.5% for BLCN 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLCN charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLCN currently yields 2.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BLCN and SPY share 6 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLCN or SPY?
BLCN has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLCN or SPY?
Over the past year BLCN returned +0.52% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLCN annualized +1.11% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLCN or SPY?
BLCN has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BLCN -67.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLCN and SPY?
BLCN and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLCN and SPY?
BLCN and SPY share 6 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLCN or SPY?
BLCN yields 2.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BLCN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.