SMCY vs SPY
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy 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 | SMCY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $135M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 180.22% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.71% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -20.14% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 71.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMCY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMCY returned -20.14% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, SMCY is up 3.71% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.4% 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 -64.8% for SMCY 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCY charges 1.01% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $9 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCY currently yields 180.22% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMCY and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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, SMCY or SPY?
SMCY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCY or SPY?
Over the past year SMCY returned -20.14% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMCY annualized -22.06% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCY or SPY?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 71.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMCY -64.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMCY and SPY?
SMCY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCY and SPY?
SMCY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCY or SPY?
SMCY yields 180.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.