SEPZ vs SPY
TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) 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 | SEPZ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $132M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +9.67% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.00% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.92% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.45% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SEPZ vs SPY Performance
TrueShares Structured Outcome (September) ETF (SEPZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SEPZ returned +14.00% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SEPZ is up 9.67% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SEPZ compounded at +13.92% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.45% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SEPZ has the edge at +11.64% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 11.7% for SEPZ. 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 -17.1% for SEPZ 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEPZ charges 0.79% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $9 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEPZ currently yields 2.05% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SEPZ 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, SEPZ or SPY?
SEPZ has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEPZ or SPY?
Over the past year SEPZ returned +14.00% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SEPZ annualized +11.64% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEPZ or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.7% for SEPZ. Worst drawdown: SEPZ -17.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SEPZ and SPY?
SEPZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 SEPZ and SPY?
SEPZ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEPZ or SPY?
SEPZ yields 2.05% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SEPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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