RB vs SPY
ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. RB offers more diversification with 1950 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,963 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.63% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.43% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RB vs SPY Performance
ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Buffer ETF (RB) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RB returned +15.43% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, RB is up 7.63% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.0% for RB. 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 -2.1% for RB 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RB charges 0.58% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $9 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RB currently yields 2.28% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RB and SPY share 3 holdings out of 2450 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RB or SPY?
RB has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RB or SPY?
Over the past year RB returned +15.43% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RB annualized +15.42% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.0% for RB. Worst drawdown: RB -2.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RB and SPY?
RB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RB and SPY?
RB and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2450 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RB or SPY?
RB yields 2.28% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.