BLES vs SPY
Inspire Global Hope ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BLES delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLES | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $159M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 817 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.45% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.72% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.87% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BLES vs SPY Performance
Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, BLES is up 15.45% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, BLES compounded at +15.87% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLES has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -40.4% for BLES 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLES charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLES currently yields 1.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BLES and SPY share 132 holdings out of 770 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLES or SPY?
BLES has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLES or SPY?
Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% vs +23.66% for SPY, so BLES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLES annualized +9.53% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLES or SPY?
BLES has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BLES -40.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BLES and SPY?
BLES and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BLES and SPY?
BLES and SPY share 132 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 770 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLES or SPY?
BLES yields 1.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BLES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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