MSOS vs SPY
AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis 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 | MSOS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $837M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -4.80% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.72% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.57% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -33.79% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -96.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MSOS vs SPY Performance
AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MSOS returned -1.72% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MSOS is down 4.80% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, MSOS compounded at -2.57% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -33.79% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -24.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.0% 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 -96.3% for MSOS 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSOS charges 0.78% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $9 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSOS currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MSOS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 509 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, MSOS or SPY?
MSOS has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSOS or SPY?
Over the past year MSOS returned -1.72% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), MSOS annualized -24.70% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSOS or SPY?
MSOS has been the more volatile fund at 72.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSOS -96.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MSOS and SPY?
MSOS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSOS and SPY?
MSOS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSOS or SPY?
MSOS yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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