MBBB vs SPY
VanEck Moody's Analytics BBB Corporate Bond 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 | MBBB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.06% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 214 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -3.00% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.35% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.01% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MBBB vs SPY Performance
VanEck Moody's Analytics BBB Corporate Bond ETF (MBBB) is a ETF from VanEck and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MBBB returned -1.35% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MBBB is down 3.00% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, MBBB compounded at +4.56% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -0.01% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.40%. 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 7.4% for MBBB. 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 -21.7% for MBBB 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MBBB charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MBBB currently yields 5.06% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MBBB and SPY share 10 holdings out of 684 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MBBB or SPY?
MBBB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MBBB or SPY?
Over the past year MBBB returned -1.35% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MBBB annualized +0.40% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MBBB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.4% for MBBB. Worst drawdown: MBBB -21.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MBBB and SPY?
MBBB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MBBB and SPY?
MBBB and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 684 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MBBB or SPY?
MBBB yields 5.06% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MBBB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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