HFEQ vs SPY
Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. HFEQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HFEQ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $19M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.30% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.11% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.81% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Unlimited Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HFEQ vs SPY Performance
Unlimited HFEQ Equity Long/Short ETF (HFEQ) is a ETF from Unlimited Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HFEQ returned +29.81% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, HFEQ is up 15.11% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HFEQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -12.5% for HFEQ 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HFEQ charges 0.96% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $9 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFEQ currently yields 9.30% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HFEQ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HFEQ or SPY?
HFEQ has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HFEQ or SPY?
Over the past year HFEQ returned +29.81% vs +20.83% for SPY, so HFEQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HFEQ annualized +30.66% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HFEQ or SPY?
HFEQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HFEQ -12.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HFEQ and SPY?
HFEQ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HFEQ and SPY?
HFEQ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HFEQ or SPY?
HFEQ yields 9.30% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HFEQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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