HACK vs SPY
Amplify Cybersecurity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HACK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HACK | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +49.05% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.48% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.86% | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.10% | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HACK vs SPY Performance
Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) 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 HACK returned +43.48% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, HACK is up 49.05% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Over three years, HACK compounded at +32.86% per year against +22.10% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.10% and +13.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, HACK has the edge at +14.57% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HACK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -42.7% for HACK 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.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HACK charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HACK currently yields 0.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HACK and SPY share 9 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HACK or SPY?
HACK has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HACK or SPY?
Over the past year HACK returned +43.48% vs +21.71% for SPY, so HACK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HACK annualized +14.57% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HACK or SPY?
HACK has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HACK -42.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HACK and SPY?
HACK 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 HACK and SPY?
HACK and SPY share 9 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HACK or SPY?
HACK yields 0.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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