SEA vs SPY
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $16M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +41.41% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.53% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.65% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ETF Series Solutions | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEA vs SPY Performance
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SEA returned +46.53% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SEA is up 41.41% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SEA compounded at +23.65% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 5-year window we track, SEA has the edge at +12.02% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -39.5% for SEA 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEA charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEA currently yields 5.17% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEA and SPY share 3 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEA or SPY?
SEA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEA or SPY?
Over the past year SEA returned +46.53% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SEA annualized +12.02% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEA or SPY?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SEA -39.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEA and SPY?
SEA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEA and SPY?
SEA and SPY share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEA or SPY?
SEA yields 5.17% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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