MAYW vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMAYWSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.09%
AUM$444M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return+5.31%+13.68%
1Y Return+8.42%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.81%+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)3.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-7.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 28, 2023Jan 22, 1993

MAYW vs SPY Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 May ETF (MAYW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MAYW returned +8.42% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MAYW is up 5.31% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Over three years, MAYW compounded at +10.81% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, MAYW has the edge at +11.00% annualized vs +8.85%. 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 3.8% for MAYW. 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 -7.9% for MAYW 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MAYW charges 0.74% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $9 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MAYW currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MAYW or SPY?

MAYW has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MAYW or SPY?

Over the past year MAYW returned +8.42% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MAYW annualized +11.00% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MAYW or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.8% for MAYW. Worst drawdown: MAYW -7.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MAYW and SPY?

MAYW and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, MAYW or SPY?

MAYW yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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