BUCK vs SPY
Simplify Treasury Option Income 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 | BUCK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $484M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.62% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.48% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.24% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BUCK vs SPY Performance
Simplify Treasury Option Income ETF (BUCK) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BUCK returned +5.48% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, BUCK is up 2.62% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, BUCK compounded at +5.24% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +5.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.6% for BUCK. 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 -5.4% for BUCK 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUCK charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUCK currently yields 7.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BUCK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUCK or SPY?
BUCK has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUCK or SPY?
Over the past year BUCK returned +5.48% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BUCK annualized +5.06% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUCK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for BUCK. Worst drawdown: BUCK -5.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BUCK and SPY?
BUCK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUCK and SPY?
BUCK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUCK or SPY?
BUCK yields 7.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BUCK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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