NIXT vs SPY
Research Affiliates Deletions ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NIXT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIXT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $41M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +29.38% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.41% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | RAFI Indices | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NIXT vs SPY Performance
Research Affiliates Deletions ETF (NIXT) is a ETF from RAFI Indices and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year NIXT returned +44.41% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, NIXT is up 29.38% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIXT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -27.5% for NIXT 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIXT charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIXT currently yields 0.96% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NIXT and SPY share 22 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIXT or SPY?
NIXT has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIXT or SPY?
Over the past year NIXT returned +44.41% vs +22.91% for SPY, so NIXT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NIXT annualized +21.50% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIXT or SPY?
NIXT has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NIXT -27.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NIXT and SPY?
NIXT and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIXT and SPY?
NIXT and SPY share 22 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIXT or SPY?
NIXT yields 0.96% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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