LSAT vs SPY
LeaderShares AlphaFactor Tactical Focused 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 | LSAT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $65M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.10% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.32% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.16% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.01% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | LeaderShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 26, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
LSAT vs SPY Performance
LeaderShares AlphaFactor Tactical Focused ETF (LSAT) is a ETF from LeaderShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LSAT returned +18.32% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, LSAT is up 19.10% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, LSAT compounded at +11.16% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.01% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, LSAT has the edge at +13.38% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LSAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -20.5% for LSAT 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LSAT charges 0.99% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $9 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSAT currently yields 1.65% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
LSAT and SPY share 8 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LSAT or SPY?
LSAT has an expense ratio of 0.99% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LSAT or SPY?
Over the past year LSAT returned +18.32% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), LSAT annualized +13.38% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LSAT or SPY?
LSAT has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LSAT -20.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both LSAT and SPY?
LSAT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LSAT and SPY?
LSAT and SPY share 8 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LSAT or SPY?
LSAT yields 1.65% while SPY yields 1.01%, so LSAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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