HTAX vs SPY
Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond 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 | HTAX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $60M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.61% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.45% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.72% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HTAX vs SPY Performance
Nomura National High-Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HTAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HTAX returned +9.72% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, HTAX is up 3.45% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.1% for HTAX. 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 -6.1% for HTAX 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HTAX charges 0.49% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $9 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HTAX currently yields 4.61% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HTAX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 581 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, HTAX or SPY?
HTAX has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HTAX or SPY?
Over the past year HTAX returned +9.72% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HTAX annualized +3.43% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HTAX or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.1% for HTAX. Worst drawdown: HTAX -6.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HTAX and SPY?
HTAX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HTAX and SPY?
HTAX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HTAX or SPY?
HTAX yields 4.61% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HTAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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