MOTO vs SPY
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. MOTO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MOTO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.00% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.50% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.12% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.78% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MOTO vs SPY Performance
Guinness Atkinson Smart Transportation & Technology ETF (MOTO) is a ETF from SmartETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MOTO returned +29.50% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, MOTO is up 17.00% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, MOTO compounded at +16.12% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +7.78% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, MOTO has the edge at +16.08% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MOTO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.9% 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 -38.2% for MOTO 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MOTO charges 0.68% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $9 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MOTO currently yields 0.87% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MOTO and SPY share 12 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MOTO or SPY?
MOTO has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MOTO or SPY?
Over the past year MOTO returned +29.50% vs +21.96% for SPY, so MOTO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), MOTO annualized +16.08% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MOTO or SPY?
MOTO has been the more volatile fund at 24.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MOTO -38.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MOTO and SPY?
MOTO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MOTO and SPY?
MOTO and SPY share 12 common holdings with a 9.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MOTO or SPY?
MOTO yields 0.87% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.