SDTY vs SPY
YieldMax S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $46M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 26.27% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +11.11% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.91% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SDTY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (SDTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SDTY returned +19.91% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, SDTY is up 11.11% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.9% for SDTY. 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 -16.3% for SDTY 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDTY charges 1.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $9 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDTY currently yields 26.27% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SDTY 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, SDTY or SPY?
SDTY has an expense ratio of 1.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDTY or SPY?
Over the past year SDTY returned +19.91% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SDTY annualized +21.53% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDTY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.9% for SDTY. Worst drawdown: SDTY -16.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SDTY and SPY?
SDTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SDTY and SPY?
SDTY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDTY or SPY?
SDTY yields 26.27% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SDTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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