SOCL vs SPY
Global X Social Media 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOCL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $91M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -19.84% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -19.90% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.82% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.41% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SOCL vs SPY Performance
Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SOCL returned -19.90% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, SOCL is down 19.84% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SOCL compounded at +6.82% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -6.41% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -68.7% for SOCL 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOCL charges 0.65% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $9 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOCL currently yields 0.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOCL or SPY?
SOCL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOCL or SPY?
Over the past year SOCL returned -19.90% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SOCL annualized +8.00% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOCL or SPY?
SOCL has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SOCL -68.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SOCL and SPY?
SOCL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOCL and SPY?
SOCL and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 5.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOCL or SPY?
SOCL yields 0.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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