SNOY vs SPY
YieldMax SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SNOY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SNOY | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $71M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 64.60% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +41.13% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.31% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 64.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SNOY vs SPY Performance
YieldMax SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF (SNOY) 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 SNOY returned +42.31% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SNOY is up 41.13% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SNOY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 64.1% 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 -50.9% for SNOY 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SNOY charges 1.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $9 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SNOY currently yields 64.60% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SNOY 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, SNOY or SPY?
SNOY has an expense ratio of 1.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SNOY or SPY?
Over the past year SNOY returned +42.31% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SNOY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SNOY annualized +40.47% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SNOY or SPY?
SNOY has been the more volatile fund at 64.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SNOY -50.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SNOY and SPY?
SNOY and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SNOY and SPY?
SNOY and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SNOY or SPY?
SNOY yields 64.60% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SNOY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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