OPTZ vs SPY
Optimize Strategy Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. OPTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OPTZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $268M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 339 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.94% | +12.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.93% | +20.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Optimize Financial | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 23, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
OPTZ vs SPY Performance
Optimize Strategy Index ETF (OPTZ) is a ETF from Optimize Financial and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year OPTZ returned +34.93% while SPY returned +20.30%. Year to date, OPTZ is up 23.94% versus a gain of 12.10% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OPTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -25.5% for OPTZ 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OPTZ charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OPTZ currently yields 0.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
OPTZ and SPY share 143 holdings out of 697 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OPTZ or SPY?
OPTZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OPTZ or SPY?
Over the past year OPTZ returned +34.93% vs +20.30% for SPY, so OPTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), OPTZ annualized +28.22% vs +8.78% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OPTZ or SPY?
OPTZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: OPTZ -25.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both OPTZ and SPY?
OPTZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between OPTZ and SPY?
OPTZ and SPY share 143 common holdings with a 21.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 697 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OPTZ or SPY?
OPTZ yields 0.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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