HECO vs SPY
State Street Galaxy Hedged Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HECO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HECO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $82M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +49.08% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +83.07% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 50.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HECO vs SPY Performance
State Street Galaxy Hedged Digital Asset Ecosystem ETF (HECO) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HECO returned +83.07% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, HECO is up 49.08% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HECO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 50.0% 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 -44.6% for HECO 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HECO charges 0.90% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $9 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HECO currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HECO and SPY share 19 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HECO or SPY?
HECO has an expense ratio of 0.90% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HECO or SPY?
Over the past year HECO returned +83.07% vs +21.96% for SPY, so HECO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HECO annualized +63.12% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HECO or SPY?
HECO has been the more volatile fund at 50.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HECO -44.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HECO and SPY?
HECO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HECO and SPY?
HECO and SPY share 19 common holdings with a 17.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HECO or SPY?
HECO yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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