SEMI vs SPY
Columbia Select Technology ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SEMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEMI | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $40M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +24.64% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.83% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.87% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEMI vs SPY Performance
Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SEMI returned +36.83% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SEMI is up 24.64% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SEMI compounded at +26.87% per year against +21.36% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SEMI has the edge at +18.07% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.1% 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 -32.9% for SEMI 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEMI charges 0.75% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $9 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEMI currently yields 3.39% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEMI and SPY share 31 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEMI or SPY?
SEMI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEMI or SPY?
Over the past year SEMI returned +36.83% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SEMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SEMI annualized +18.07% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEMI or SPY?
SEMI has been the more volatile fund at 29.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SEMI -32.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEMI and SPY?
SEMI and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEMI and SPY?
SEMI and SPY share 31 common holdings with a 42.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEMI or SPY?
SEMI yields 3.39% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SEMI 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.