JAVA vs SPY
JAVA vs SPY
JPMorgan Active Value ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. JAVA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JAVA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 150 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.64% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.11% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.30% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JAVA vs SPY Performance
JPMorgan Active Value ETF (JAVA) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JAVA returned +30.11% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, JAVA is up 15.64% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, JAVA compounded at +17.30% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, JAVA has the edge at +12.79% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.5% for JAVA. 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 -16.5% for JAVA 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAVA charges 0.44% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $9 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAVA currently yields 1.32% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JAVA and SPY share 124 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JAVA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 1.11% | 7.31% | 6.20% |
| AMZN | 2.42% | 3.69% | 1.27% |
| MSFT | 1.34% | 4.43% | 3.09% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WDC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JAVA shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JAVA or SPY?
JAVA has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAVA or SPY?
Over the past year JAVA returned +30.11% vs +23.66% for SPY, so JAVA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JAVA annualized +12.79% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAVA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.5% for JAVA. Worst drawdown: JAVA -16.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JAVA and SPY?
JAVA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAVA and SPY?
JAVA and SPY share 124 common holdings with a 34.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAVA or SPY?
JAVA yields 1.32% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JAVA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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