JETS vs SPY
US Global Jets 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 | JETS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $867M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.18% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.90% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.65% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JETS vs SPY Performance
US Global Jets ETF (JETS) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JETS returned +18.90% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, JETS is up 7.18% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, JETS compounded at +16.65% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +2.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JETS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.3% 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 -64.9% for JETS 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JETS charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JETS currently yields 0.74% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JETS and SPY share 7 holdings out of 546 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JETS or SPY?
JETS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JETS or SPY?
Over the past year JETS returned +18.90% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), JETS annualized +2.58% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JETS or SPY?
JETS has been the more volatile fund at 30.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: JETS -64.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JETS and SPY?
JETS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JETS and SPY?
JETS and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 546 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JETS or SPY?
JETS yields 0.74% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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