KNO vs SPY
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $44M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +25.39% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.98% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KNO vs SPY Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, KNO is up 25.39% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.9% for KNO. 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $9 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KNO and SPY share 8 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNO or SPY?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or SPY?
Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% vs +21.96% for SPY, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.77% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for KNO. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KNO and SPY?
KNO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and SPY?
KNO and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or SPY?
KNO yields 0.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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