MAGS vs SPY
Roundhill Magnificent Seven 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 | MAGS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $4.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.48% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.53% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.02% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.08% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Roundhill Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 11, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MAGS vs SPY Performance
Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MAGS returned +14.02% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MAGS is up 3.53% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, MAGS compounded at +32.08% per year against +22.06% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, MAGS has the edge at +36.21% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MAGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -29.4% for MAGS 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MAGS charges 0.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $9 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MAGS currently yields 1.48% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MAGS and SPY share 7 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MAGS or SPY?
MAGS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MAGS or SPY?
Over the past year MAGS returned +14.02% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MAGS annualized +36.21% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MAGS or SPY?
MAGS has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MAGS -29.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MAGS and SPY?
MAGS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MAGS and SPY?
MAGS and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 20.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MAGS or SPY?
MAGS yields 1.48% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MAGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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