KNOW vs SPY
KNOW vs SPY
Fundamentals First 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNOW | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.41% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Fundamentals First Fund | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
KNOW vs SPY Performance
Fundamentals First ETF (KNOW) is a ETF from Fundamentals First Fund and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year KNOW returned +19.41% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, KNOW is up 14.50% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.6% for KNOW. 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 -16.0% for KNOW 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
KNOW charges 1.09% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $9 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNOW currently yields 1.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
KNOW and SPY share 29 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KNOW | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOG | 2.39% | 2.66% | 0.27% |
| MSFT | 0.22% | 4.43% | 4.21% |
| KLAC | 2.97% | 0.47% | 2.50% |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LIN:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HUBB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SNA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GWW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings KNOW 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, KNOW or SPY?
KNOW has an expense ratio of 1.09% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNOW or SPY?
Over the past year KNOW returned +19.41% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNOW annualized +11.26% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNOW or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.6% for KNOW. Worst drawdown: KNOW -16.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both KNOW and SPY?
KNOW 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 KNOW and SPY?
KNOW and SPY share 29 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNOW or SPY?
KNOW yields 1.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so KNOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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