FUND vs SPY
Sprott Focus Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
FUND delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FUND | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $312M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.38% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +26.28% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.72% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.14% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 1996 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FUND vs SPY Performance
Sprott Focus Trust (FUND) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FUND returned +43.72% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, FUND is up 26.28% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, FUND compounded at +18.14% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +4.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FUND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -71.6% for FUND 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
FUND and SPY share 5 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, FUND or SPY?
Over the past year FUND returned +43.72% vs +20.62% for SPY, so FUND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), FUND annualized +4.44% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FUND or SPY?
FUND has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FUND -71.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FUND and SPY?
FUND and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FUND and SPY?
FUND and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FUND or SPY?
FUND yields 5.38% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FUND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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