ROAM vs SPY
Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ROAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROAM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $107M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 327 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.76% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.25% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.58% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.48% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ROAM vs SPY Performance
Hartford Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (ROAM) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ROAM returned +35.25% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ROAM is up 21.76% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, ROAM compounded at +22.58% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.48% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -48.6% for ROAM 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROAM charges 0.44% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $9 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROAM currently yields 2.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ROAM and SPY share 1 holdings out of 828 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ROAM | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEL | 0.19% | 0.09% | 0.10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROAM or SPY?
ROAM has an expense ratio of 0.44% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROAM or SPY?
Over the past year ROAM returned +35.25% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ROAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), ROAM annualized +4.86% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROAM or SPY?
ROAM has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ROAM -48.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ROAM and SPY?
ROAM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROAM and SPY?
ROAM and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROAM or SPY?
ROAM yields 2.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ROAM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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