LEAD vs SPY
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend 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 | LEAD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $72M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.19% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SRN Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2016 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LEAD vs SPY Performance
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) is a ETF from SRN Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, LEAD is up 11.78% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Over three years, LEAD compounded at +15.43% per year against +21.83% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +12.88% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, LEAD has the edge at +13.67% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -32.2% for LEAD 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEAD charges 0.43% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $9 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEAD currently yields 0.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LEAD and SPY share 48 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEAD or SPY?
LEAD has an expense ratio of 0.43% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEAD or SPY?
Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% vs +20.57% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LEAD annualized +13.67% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEAD or SPY?
LEAD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LEAD -32.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LEAD and SPY?
LEAD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LEAD and SPY?
LEAD and SPY share 48 common holdings with a 20.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEAD or SPY?
LEAD yields 0.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.