ETHO vs SPY
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ETHO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETHO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $196M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.11% | +13.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.98% | +21.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.07% | +22.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.38% | +13.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ETHO vs SPY Performance
Amplify Etho Climate Leadership US ETF (ETHO) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ETHO returned +37.98% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, ETHO is up 26.11% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.
Over three years, ETHO compounded at +18.07% per year against +22.50% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.38% and +13.24% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ETHO has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -36.7% for ETHO 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETHO charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETHO currently yields 0.70% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ETHO and SPY share 73 holdings out of 715 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETHO or SPY?
ETHO has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETHO or SPY?
Over the past year ETHO returned +37.98% vs +21.44% for SPY, so ETHO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ETHO annualized +12.81% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETHO or SPY?
ETHO has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ETHO -36.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ETHO and SPY?
ETHO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ETHO and SPY?
ETHO and SPY share 73 common holdings with a 8.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETHO or SPY?
ETHO yields 0.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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