SAMT vs SPY
Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SAMT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SAMT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $867M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.62% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Strategas Asset Management, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SAMT vs SPY Performance
Strategas Macro Thematic Opportunities ETF (SAMT) 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 SAMT returned +23.24% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, SAMT is up 11.50% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, SAMT compounded at +24.62% per year against +21.67% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SAMT has the edge at +13.76% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAMT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -20.6% for SAMT 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
SAMT charges 0.66% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $9 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAMT currently yields 0.58% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SAMT and SPY share 30 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAMT or SPY?
SAMT has an expense ratio of 0.66% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAMT or SPY?
Over the past year SAMT returned +23.24% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SAMT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SAMT annualized +13.76% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAMT or SPY?
SAMT has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SAMT -20.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SAMT and SPY?
SAMT 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 SAMT and SPY?
SAMT and SPY share 30 common holdings with a 16.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAMT or SPY?
SAMT yields 0.58% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.