SMIG vs SPY
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth 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 | SMIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.08% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.44% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.49% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2021 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMIG vs SPY Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMIG returned +13.44% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SMIG is up 16.08% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SMIG compounded at +13.49% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.06% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.6% for SMIG 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIG charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIG currently yields 1.83% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMIG and SPY share 15 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIG or SPY?
SMIG has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIG or SPY?
Over the past year SMIG returned +13.44% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SMIG annualized +8.06% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIG or SPY?
SMIG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMIG -19.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMIG and SPY?
SMIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIG and SPY?
SMIG and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIG or SPY?
SMIG yields 1.83% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SMIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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