COPY vs SPY
Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. COPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | COPY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $372M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.96% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.26% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Tweedy Browne Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
COPY vs SPY Performance
Tweedy, Browne Insider + Value ETF (COPY) is a ETF from Tweedy Browne Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year COPY returned +35.26% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, COPY is up 20.96% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.5% for COPY. 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 -14.1% for COPY 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
COPY charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COPY currently yields 0.84% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
COPY and SPY share 17 holdings out of 660 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, COPY or SPY?
COPY has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, COPY or SPY?
Over the past year COPY returned +35.26% vs +23.66% for SPY, so COPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), COPY annualized +33.45% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, COPY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.5% for COPY. Worst drawdown: COPY -14.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both COPY and SPY?
COPY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between COPY and SPY?
COPY and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, COPY or SPY?
COPY yields 0.84% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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