SMCF vs SPY
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SMCF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 141 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.25% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.26% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMCF vs SPY Performance
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF (SMCF) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SMCF is up 21.25% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -28.0% for SMCF 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCF charges 0.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $9 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCF currently yields 3.31% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMCF and SPY share 1 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMCF | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLDR | 2.48% | 0.01% | 2.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMCF or SPY?
SMCF has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCF or SPY?
Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SMCF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMCF annualized +20.29% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCF or SPY?
SMCF has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMCF -28.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMCF and SPY?
SMCF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCF and SPY?
SMCF and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCF or SPY?
SMCF yields 3.31% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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