Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRSSXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.67%0.09%
AUM$61M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.08%1.01%
Holdings7505
YTD Return+0.20%+13.79%
1Y Return+15.86%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)28.4%15.3%
Max Drawdown-27.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyReturn Stacked ETFState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 29, 2025Jan 22, 1993

RSSX vs SPY Performance

Return Stacked US Stocks & Gold/Bitcoin ETF (RSSX) 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 RSSX returned +15.86% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, RSSX is up 0.20% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RSSX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% 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 -27.4% for RSSX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RSSX charges 0.67% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $67 vs $9 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSSX currently yields 1.08% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RSSX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, RSSX or SPY?

RSSX has an expense ratio of 0.67% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RSSX or SPY?

Over the past year RSSX returned +15.86% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RSSX annualized +24.43% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RSSX or SPY?

RSSX has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RSSX -27.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both RSSX and SPY?

RSSX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RSSX and SPY?

RSSX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RSSX or SPY?

RSSX yields 1.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RSSX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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