OVM vs SPY
Overlay Shares Municipal Bond 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OVM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.81% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $44M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.23% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.92% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.56% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.37% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Overlay Shares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
OVM vs SPY Performance
Overlay Shares Municipal Bond ETF (OVM) is a ETF from Overlay Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year OVM returned +3.92% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, OVM is up 0.23% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, OVM compounded at +3.56% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.37% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.3% for OVM. 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 -21.1% for OVM 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OVM charges 0.81% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $81 vs $9 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OVM currently yields 6.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
OVM and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, OVM or SPY?
OVM has an expense ratio of 0.81% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OVM or SPY?
Over the past year OVM returned +3.92% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), OVM annualized +1.92% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OVM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.3% for OVM. Worst drawdown: OVM -21.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both OVM and SPY?
OVM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between OVM and SPY?
OVM and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OVM or SPY?
OVM yields 6.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so OVM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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