DRSK vs SPY
Aptus Defined Risk 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 | DRSK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.15% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.27% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.22% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.36% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus Capital Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DRSK vs SPY Performance
Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is a ETF from Aptus Capital Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DRSK returned +1.27% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, DRSK is up 2.15% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, DRSK compounded at +8.22% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.36% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +5.13%. 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 7.9% for DRSK. 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 -19.9% for DRSK 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DRSK charges 0.78% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $9 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DRSK currently yields 3.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DRSK and SPY share 0 holdings out of 513 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, DRSK or SPY?
DRSK has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DRSK or SPY?
Over the past year DRSK returned +1.27% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DRSK annualized +5.13% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DRSK or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.9% for DRSK. Worst drawdown: DRSK -19.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DRSK and SPY?
DRSK and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DRSK and SPY?
DRSK and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRSK or SPY?
DRSK yields 3.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DRSK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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