LEO vs SPY
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals Inc 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 | LEO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $500M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.24% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.76% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.36% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.55% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1987 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LEO vs SPY Performance
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipals Inc (LEO) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LEO returned +9.76% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, LEO is up 0.70% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, LEO compounded at +6.36% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -3.55% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 31-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -0.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 12.7% for LEO. 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 -58.0% for LEO 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEO charges 0.98% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $9 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEO currently yields 4.24% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LEO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 657 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEO or SPY?
LEO has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEO or SPY?
Over the past year LEO returned +9.76% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (31 years), LEO annualized -0.62% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.7% for LEO. Worst drawdown: LEO -58.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LEO and SPY?
LEO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LEO and SPY?
LEO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 657 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEO or SPY?
LEO yields 4.24% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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