BSTZ vs SPY
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. BSTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSTZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.94% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +38.92% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.71% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.58% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BSTZ vs SPY Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (BSTZ) 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 BSTZ returned +63.71% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, BSTZ is up 38.92% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, BSTZ compounded at +34.58% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BSTZ has the edge at +15.00% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.8% 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 -59.3% for BSTZ 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
BSTZ charges 1.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $9 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTZ currently yields 7.94% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BSTZ and SPY share 14 holdings out of 545 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTZ or SPY?
BSTZ has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTZ or SPY?
Over the past year BSTZ returned +63.71% vs +21.82% for SPY, so BSTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BSTZ annualized +15.00% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTZ or SPY?
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund at 28.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BSTZ -59.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BSTZ and SPY?
BSTZ 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 BSTZ and SPY?
BSTZ and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 12.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 545 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSTZ or SPY?
BSTZ yields 7.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BSTZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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