HELX vs SPY
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HELX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HELX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.35% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.57% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.36% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.54% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HELX vs SPY Performance
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HELX returned +44.57% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, HELX is up 16.35% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, HELX compounded at +12.36% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -4.54% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HELX has the edge at +9.29% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HELX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -58.8% for HELX 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELX 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, HELX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HELX and SPY share 11 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HELX or SPY?
HELX 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, HELX or SPY?
Over the past year HELX returned +44.57% vs +20.83% for SPY, so HELX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HELX annualized +9.29% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELX or SPY?
HELX has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HELX -58.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HELX and SPY?
HELX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELX and SPY?
HELX and SPY share 11 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELX or SPY?
HELX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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