MSTY vs SPY
MSTY vs SPY
YieldMax MSTR 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 | MSTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $760M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 139.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -32.86% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -69.72% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 78.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MSTY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) 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 MSTY returned -69.72% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MSTY is down 32.86% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 78.6% 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 -77.4% for MSTY 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTY charges 1.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $9 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTY currently yields 139.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MSTY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, MSTY or SPY?
MSTY has an expense ratio of 1.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTY or SPY?
Over the past year MSTY returned -69.72% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSTY annualized +7.31% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTY or SPY?
MSTY has been the more volatile fund at 78.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSTY -77.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MSTY and SPY?
MSTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTY and SPY?
MSTY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTY or SPY?
MSTY yields 139.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MSTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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