HFMF vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHFMFSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.97%0.09%
AUM$24M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings18505
YTD Return+3.49%+14.47%
1Y Return+8.19%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)11.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-15.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyUnlimited FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 14, 2025Jan 22, 1993

HFMF vs SPY Performance

Unlimited HFMF Managed Futures ETF (HFMF) 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 HFMF returned +8.19% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, HFMF is up 3.49% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.7% for HFMF. 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 -15.1% for HFMF 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HFMF charges 0.97% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $9 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HFMF currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HFMF and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, HFMF or SPY?

HFMF has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HFMF or SPY?

Over the past year HFMF returned +8.19% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HFMF annualized +9.88% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HFMF or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.7% for HFMF. Worst drawdown: HFMF -15.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both HFMF and SPY?

HFMF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HFMF and SPY?

HFMF and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HFMF or SPY?

HFMF yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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