SEIX vs SPY
Virtus Seix Senior Loan 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEIX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $257M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 223 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.10% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.19% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.08% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.79% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 23, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEIX vs SPY Performance
Virtus Seix Senior Loan ETF (SEIX) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SEIX returned +5.19% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SEIX is up 3.10% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SEIX compounded at +7.08% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +5.79% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.0% for SEIX. 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 -18.2% for SEIX 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEIX charges 0.57% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $9 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEIX currently yields 7.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEIX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, SEIX or SPY?
SEIX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEIX or SPY?
Over the past year SEIX returned +5.19% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SEIX annualized +4.13% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEIX or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.0% for SEIX. Worst drawdown: SEIX -18.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEIX and SPY?
SEIX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEIX and SPY?
SEIX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEIX or SPY?
SEIX yields 7.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SEIX 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.