RDTY vs SPY
YieldMax Russell 2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. RDTY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RDTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.73% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $31M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 43.62% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.09% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.75% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RDTY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax Russell 2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (RDTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RDTY returned +25.75% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, RDTY is up 19.09% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.2% for RDTY. 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 -16.2% for RDTY 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDTY charges 1.73% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $173 vs $9 annually, a gap of $164 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDTY currently yields 43.62% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RDTY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, RDTY or SPY?
RDTY has an expense ratio of 1.73% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $164 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDTY or SPY?
Over the past year RDTY returned +25.75% vs +22.91% for SPY, so RDTY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RDTY annualized +31.88% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDTY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for RDTY. Worst drawdown: RDTY -16.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RDTY and SPY?
RDTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDTY and SPY?
RDTY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDTY or SPY?
RDTY yields 43.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RDTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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