LGH vs SPY
HCM Defender 500 Index 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 | LGH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $607M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 417 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.65% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.89% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LGH vs SPY Performance
HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LGH returned +15.89% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, LGH is up 5.65% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, LGH compounded at +19.79% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, LGH has the edge at +15.35% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -29.6% for LGH 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGH charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGH currently yields 0.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LGH and SPY share 397 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGH or SPY?
LGH has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGH or SPY?
Over the past year LGH returned +15.89% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LGH annualized +15.35% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGH or SPY?
LGH has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LGH -29.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LGH and SPY?
LGH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGH and SPY?
LGH and SPY share 397 common holdings with a 79.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGH or SPY?
LGH yields 0.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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