RDFI vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRDFISPYWinner
Expense Ratio4.23%0.09%
AUM$84M$789.1B
Dividend Yield8.16%1.01%
Holdings41505
YTD Return-2.13%+13.75%
1Y Return+1.26%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.29%+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)+1.76%+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-23.7%-56.5%
Fund FamilyRareview CapitalState Street Investment Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 21, 2020Jan 22, 1993

RDFI vs SPY Performance

Rareview Dynamic Fixed Income ETF (RDFI) is a ETF from Rareview Capital and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RDFI returned +1.26% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, RDFI is down 2.13% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Over three years, RDFI compounded at +8.29% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.76% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +5.21%. 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 10.8% for RDFI. 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 -23.7% for RDFI 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RDFI charges 4.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $423 vs $9 annually, a gap of $414 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDFI currently yields 8.16% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RDFI 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, RDFI or SPY?

RDFI has an expense ratio of 4.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $414 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RDFI or SPY?

Over the past year RDFI returned +1.26% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), RDFI annualized +5.21% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RDFI or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for RDFI. Worst drawdown: RDFI -23.7% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both RDFI and SPY?

RDFI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RDFI and SPY?

RDFI and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RDFI or SPY?

RDFI yields 8.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RDFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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