RSST vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. RSST delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: RSSTMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRSSTSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.09%
AUM$482M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.25%1.01%
Holdings30505
YTD Return+18.83%+14.47%
1Y Return+40.41%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.59%+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)17.6%15.3%
Max Drawdown-30.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyReturn Stacked ETFState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 6, 2023Jan 22, 1993

RSST vs SPY Performance

Return Stacked US Stocks & Managed Futures ETF (RSST) 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 RSST returned +40.41% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, RSST is up 18.83% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Over three years, RSST compounded at +19.59% per year against +21.70% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, RSST has the edge at +19.59% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RSST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -30.8% for RSST 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RSST charges 0.99% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $9 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSST currently yields 0.25% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RSST and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, RSST or SPY?

RSST has an expense ratio of 0.99% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RSST or SPY?

Over the past year RSST returned +40.41% vs +21.96% for SPY, so RSST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), RSST annualized +19.59% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RSST or SPY?

RSST has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RSST -30.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both RSST and SPY?

RSST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RSST and SPY?

RSST and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RSST or SPY?

RSST yields 0.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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