SFY vs SPY
Sofi Select 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SFY has a lower expense ratio. SFY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SFY offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SFY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $705M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +14.38% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.69% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.13% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.36% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | SoFi | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2019 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SFY vs SPY Performance
Sofi Select 500 ETF (SFY) is a ETF from SoFi and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SFY returned +24.69% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SFY is up 14.38% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SFY compounded at +26.13% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.36% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SFY has the edge at +17.22% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -33.3% for SFY 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
SFY charges 0.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $9 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SFY currently yields 0.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SFY and SPY share 429 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 79.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SFY or SPY?
SFY has an expense ratio of 0.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SFY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SFY or SPY?
Over the past year SFY returned +24.69% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SFY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SFY annualized +17.22% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SFY or SPY?
SFY has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SFY -33.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SFY and SPY?
SFY 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 SFY and SPY?
SFY and SPY share 429 common holdings with a 79.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SFY or SPY?
SFY yields 0.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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