MSII vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSIISPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.54%0.09%
AUM$3M$789.1B
Dividend Yield64.93%1.01%
Holdings11505
YTD Return-33.95%+14.47%
1Y Return-73.46%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)55.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-78.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyREX SharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 4, 2025Jan 22, 1993

MSII vs SPY Performance

REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF (MSII) is a ETF from REX Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MSII returned -73.46% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, MSII is down 33.95% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.0% 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 -78.7% for MSII 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSII charges 1.54% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $154 vs $9 annually, a gap of $145 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSII currently yields 64.93% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSII and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, MSII or SPY?

MSII has an expense ratio of 1.54% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $145 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSII or SPY?

Over the past year MSII returned -73.46% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSII annualized -72.09% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSII or SPY?

MSII has been the more volatile fund at 55.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSII -78.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MSII and SPY?

MSII and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSII and SPY?

MSII and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSII or SPY?

MSII yields 64.93% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MSII currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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