RIGS vs SPY
ALPS Strategic Income Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RIGS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $61M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.82% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 80 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +0.87% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.13% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.05% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 7, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RIGS vs SPY Performance
ALPS Strategic Income Fund (RIGS) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RIGS returned +3.13% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, RIGS is up 0.87% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, RIGS compounded at +4.88% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.05% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +0.98%. 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 4.6% for RIGS. 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 -18.2% for RIGS 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIGS charges 0.46% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $9 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIGS currently yields 4.82% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RIGS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 572 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, RIGS or SPY?
RIGS has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RIGS or SPY?
Over the past year RIGS returned +3.13% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), RIGS annualized +0.98% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RIGS or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.6% for RIGS. Worst drawdown: RIGS -18.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RIGS and SPY?
RIGS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RIGS and SPY?
RIGS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIGS or SPY?
RIGS yields 4.82% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RIGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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