SFTY vs SPY
Horizon Managed Risk 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 | SFTY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $784M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +13.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.96% | +20.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.88% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SFTY vs SPY Performance
Horizon Managed Risk ETF (SFTY) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SFTY returned +19.96% while SPY returned +20.57%. Year to date, SFTY is up 12.56% versus a gain of 13.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.2% for SFTY. 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 -8.6% for SFTY 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SFTY charges 0.77% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $9 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SFTY currently yields 0.17% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SFTY and SPY share 162 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 68.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SFTY or SPY?
SFTY has an expense ratio of 0.77% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SFTY or SPY?
Over the past year SFTY returned +19.96% vs +20.57% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SFTY annualized +21.77% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SFTY or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.2% for SFTY. Worst drawdown: SFTY -8.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SFTY and SPY?
SFTY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 SFTY and SPY?
SFTY and SPY share 162 common holdings with a 68.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SFTY or SPY?
SFTY yields 0.17% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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