HEAL vs SPY
Global X HealthTech 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEAL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $32M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.90% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.36% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.22% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -10.68% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HEAL vs SPY Performance
Global X HealthTech ETF (HEAL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HEAL returned -3.36% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, HEAL is up 2.90% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, HEAL compounded at -0.22% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -10.68% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -6.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HEAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -65.8% for HEAL 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
HEAL charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEAL currently yields 0.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HEAL and SPY share 7 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEAL or SPY?
HEAL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEAL or SPY?
Over the past year HEAL returned -3.36% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), HEAL annualized -6.92% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEAL or SPY?
HEAL has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HEAL -65.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HEAL and SPY?
HEAL 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 HEAL and SPY?
HEAL and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEAL or SPY?
HEAL yields 0.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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