BUG vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. BUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: BUGMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$1.6B$821.1B
Dividend Yield0.03%1.01%
Holdings34505
YTD Return+44.84%+14.24%
1Y Return+30.51%+21.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.22%+22.10%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.20%+13.21%
Volatility (annualized)28.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-41.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 25, 2019Jan 22, 1993

BUG vs SPY Performance

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BUG returned +30.51% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, BUG is up 44.84% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.

Over three years, BUG compounded at +22.22% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.20% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUG has the edge at +16.67% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% 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 -41.7% for BUG 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BUG charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUG currently yields 0.03% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

BUG and SPY share 2 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BUGWeight in SPYDifference
CRWD7.27%0.32%6.95%
GEN4.25%0.02%4.23%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BUG or SPY?

BUG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BUG or SPY?

Over the past year BUG returned +30.51% vs +21.71% for SPY, so BUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUG annualized +16.67% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BUG or SPY?

BUG has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BUG -41.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BUG and SPY?

BUG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BUG and SPY?

BUG and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUG or SPY?

BUG yields 0.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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