ROBO vs SPY
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ROBO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROBO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +20.22% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.91% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.95% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Robo Global | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ROBO vs SPY Performance
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is a ETF from Robo Global and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ROBO returned +32.91% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ROBO is up 20.22% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, ROBO compounded at +15.95% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.16% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ROBO has the edge at +10.12% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROBO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -43.6% for ROBO 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROBO charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROBO currently yields 0.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ROBO and SPY share 17 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROBO or SPY?
ROBO has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROBO or SPY?
Over the past year ROBO returned +32.91% vs +21.96% for SPY, so ROBO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ROBO annualized +10.12% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROBO or SPY?
ROBO has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ROBO -43.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ROBO and SPY?
ROBO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROBO and SPY?
ROBO and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROBO or SPY?
ROBO yields 0.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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