MSFO vs SPY
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy 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 | MSFO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $100M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 42.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.55% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.26% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.89% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MSFO vs SPY Performance
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy ETF (MSFO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MSFO returned -2.26% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, MSFO is up 4.55% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, MSFO compounded at +15.89% per year against +21.67% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, MSFO has the edge at +15.89% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.8% 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 -29.7% for MSFO 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSFO charges 1.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $9 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSFO currently yields 42.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MSFO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, MSFO or SPY?
MSFO has an expense ratio of 1.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSFO or SPY?
Over the past year MSFO returned -2.26% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSFO annualized +15.89% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSFO or SPY?
MSFO has been the more volatile fund at 23.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSFO -29.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MSFO and SPY?
MSFO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSFO and SPY?
MSFO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSFO or SPY?
MSFO yields 42.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MSFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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