BOXA vs SPY
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond 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 | BOXA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $15M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.82% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.86% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BOXA vs SPY Performance
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BOXA returned +0.86% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, BOXA is down 0.82% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.2% for BOXA. 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 -3.2% for BOXA 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXA charges 0.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $9 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXA currently yields 0.13% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXA or SPY?
BOXA has an expense ratio of 0.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXA or SPY?
Over the past year BOXA returned +0.86% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BOXA annualized +2.67% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.2% for BOXA. Worst drawdown: BOXA -3.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BOXA and SPY?
BOXA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXA or SPY?
BOXA yields 0.13% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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