MINO vs SPY
PIMCO Municipal Income Opportunities Active Exchange-Traded Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. MINO offers more diversification with 520 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MINO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $755M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.95% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.83% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.66% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.63% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.17% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MINO vs SPY Performance
PIMCO Municipal Income Opportunities Active Exchange-Traded Fund (MINO) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MINO returned +5.66% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, MINO is up 0.83% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, MINO compounded at +4.63% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.17% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +1.17%. 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 6.6% for MINO. 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 -15.2% for MINO 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MINO charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MINO currently yields 3.95% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MINO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 732 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MINO or SPY?
MINO has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MINO or SPY?
Over the past year MINO returned +5.66% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MINO annualized +1.17% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MINO or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for MINO. Worst drawdown: MINO -15.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MINO and SPY?
MINO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MINO and SPY?
MINO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 732 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MINO or SPY?
MINO yields 3.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MINO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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