SAMM vs SPY
Strategas Macro Momentum ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SAMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAMM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $30M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.02% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +6.41% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Strategas Asset Management, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SAMM vs SPY Performance
Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) is a ETF from Strategas Asset Management, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SAMM returned +21.55% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SAMM is up 6.41% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.8% for SAMM. 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 -24.6% for SAMM 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
SAMM charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAMM currently yields 1.02% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SAMM and SPY share 21 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAMM or SPY?
SAMM has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAMM or SPY?
Over the past year SAMM returned +21.55% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SAMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAMM annualized +12.56% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAMM or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.8% for SAMM. Worst drawdown: SAMM -24.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SAMM and SPY?
SAMM 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 SAMM and SPY?
SAMM and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAMM or SPY?
SAMM yields 1.02% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SAMM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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