HTUS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHTUSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.96%0.09%
AUM$154M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.23%1.01%
Holdings21505
YTD Return+15.60%+13.79%
1Y Return+13.06%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.46%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.29%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)16.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-50.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyHull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLCState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 24, 2015Jan 22, 1993

HTUS vs SPY Performance

Hull Tactical US ETF (HTUS) is a ETF from Hull Tactical Asset Allocation, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HTUS returned +13.06% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, HTUS is up 15.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, HTUS compounded at +17.46% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.29% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HTUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -50.7% for HTUS 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HTUS 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, HTUS currently yields 1.23% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HTUS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, HTUS or SPY?

HTUS 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, HTUS or SPY?

Over the past year HTUS returned +13.06% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HTUS annualized +5.63% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HTUS or SPY?

HTUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: HTUS -50.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both HTUS and SPY?

HTUS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HTUS and SPY?

HTUS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HTUS or SPY?

HTUS yields 1.23% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HTUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →