MMCA 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

MetricMMCASPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.36%0.09%
AUM$90M$789.1B
Dividend Yield3.54%1.01%
Holdings114505
YTD Return+0.32%+13.39%
1Y Return+4.09%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.81%+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)6.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-16.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyNew York Life InvestmentsState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 21, 2021Jan 22, 1993

MMCA vs SPY Performance

NYLI MacKay California Muni Intermediate ETF (MMCA) is a ETF from New York Life Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MMCA returned +4.09% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, MMCA is up 0.32% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Over three years, MMCA compounded at +3.81% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +0.02%. 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 6.4% for MMCA. 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 -16.0% for MMCA 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

MMCA charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMCA currently yields 3.54% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MMCA and SPY share 0 holdings out of 530 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, MMCA or SPY?

MMCA has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MMCA or SPY?

Over the past year MMCA returned +4.09% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MMCA annualized +0.02% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MMCA or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.4% for MMCA. Worst drawdown: MMCA -16.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MMCA and SPY?

MMCA 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 MMCA and SPY?

MMCA and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MMCA or SPY?

MMCA yields 3.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MMCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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