RAYJ vs SPY
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RAYJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAYJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $24M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.69% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Rayliant Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RAYJ vs SPY Performance
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is a ETF from Rayliant Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, RAYJ is up 15.34% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -16.6% for RAYJ 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAYJ charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAYJ currently yields 4.76% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RAYJ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 536 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, RAYJ or SPY?
RAYJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAYJ or SPY?
Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% vs +21.53% for SPY, so RAYJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RAYJ annualized +20.92% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAYJ or SPY?
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RAYJ -16.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RAYJ and SPY?
RAYJ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAYJ and SPY?
RAYJ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAYJ or SPY?
RAYJ yields 4.76% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RAYJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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