RSBA vs SPY
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSBA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $53M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -0.95% | +14.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.41% | +21.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Return Stacked ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RSBA vs SPY Performance
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, RSBA is down 0.95% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSBA charges 1.01% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $9 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSBA currently yields 2.88% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RSBA and SPY share 1 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RSBA | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSX | -1.86% | 0.11% | 1.97% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSBA or SPY?
RSBA has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSBA or SPY?
Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSBA annualized +1.86% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSBA or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: RSBA -5.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RSBA and SPY?
RSBA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSBA and SPY?
RSBA and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSBA or SPY?
RSBA yields 2.88% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RSBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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