SIMS vs SPY
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures 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 | SIMS | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.79% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.75% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.41% | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.79% | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SIMS vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SIMS returned +14.75% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, SIMS is up 3.79% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Over three years, SIMS compounded at +10.41% per year against +22.00% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +0.79% and +13.33% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +5.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -44.0% for SIMS 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIMS charges 0.45% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $9 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIMS currently yields 0.56% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SIMS and SPY share 15 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIMS or SPY?
SIMS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIMS or SPY?
Over the past year SIMS returned +14.75% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SIMS annualized +5.31% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIMS or SPY?
SIMS has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SIMS -44.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SIMS and SPY?
SIMS and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIMS and SPY?
SIMS and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIMS or SPY?
SIMS yields 0.56% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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