RFIX 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

MetricRFIXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.09%
AUM$47M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.31%1.01%
Holdings12505
YTD Return+2.40%+13.75%
1Y Return-12.38%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)20.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-38.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 9, 2024Jan 22, 1993

RFIX vs SPY Performance

Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RFIX returned -12.38% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, RFIX is up 2.40% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RFIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -38.8% for RFIX 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RFIX charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFIX currently yields 4.31% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RFIX or SPY?

RFIX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RFIX or SPY?

Over the past year RFIX returned -12.38% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RFIX annualized -22.44% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RFIX or SPY?

RFIX has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RFIX -38.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both RFIX and SPY?

RFIX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, RFIX or SPY?

RFIX yields 4.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RFIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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