BST vs SPY
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BST delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.73% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +28.14% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.63% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.85% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BST vs SPY Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BST returned +38.63% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, BST is up 28.14% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BST compounded at +24.66% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.85% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BST has the edge at +12.61% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BST charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BST and SPY share 24 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BST or SPY?
BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BST or SPY?
Over the past year BST returned +38.63% vs +21.53% for SPY, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.61% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BST or SPY?
BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BST and SPY?
BST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BST and SPY?
BST and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 32.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BST or SPY?
BST yields 7.73% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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