KMID vs SPY
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap 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 | KMID | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $47M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +2.44% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.99% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KMID vs SPY Performance
Virtus KAR Mid-Cap ETF (KMID) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KMID returned +0.99% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, KMID is up 2.44% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.9% for KMID. 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 -18.9% for KMID 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KMID charges 0.80% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $9 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KMID currently yields 0.11% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KMID and SPY share 20 holdings out of 510 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, KMID or SPY?
KMID has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KMID or SPY?
Over the past year KMID returned +0.99% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KMID annualized +0.17% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KMID or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.9% for KMID. Worst drawdown: KMID -18.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KMID and SPY?
KMID and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KMID and SPY?
KMID and SPY share 20 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KMID or SPY?
KMID yields 0.11% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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