SBIO vs SPY
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SBIO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SBIO | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $202M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +35.11% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +101.30% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.81% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 30, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SBIO vs SPY Performance
ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SBIO returned +101.30% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, SBIO is up 35.11% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SBIO compounded at +32.81% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.88% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SBIO has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SBIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.6% 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 -63.1% for SBIO 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SBIO charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SBIO currently yields 4.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SBIO and SPY share 0 holdings out of 608 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, SBIO or SPY?
SBIO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SBIO or SPY?
Over the past year SBIO returned +101.30% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SBIO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SBIO annualized +9.81% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SBIO or SPY?
SBIO has been the more volatile fund at 29.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SBIO -63.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SBIO and SPY?
SBIO and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SBIO and SPY?
SBIO and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SBIO or SPY?
SBIO yields 4.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SBIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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