SPAM vs SPY
Themes Cybersecurity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPAM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $6M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +49.65% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.43% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPAM vs SPY Performance
Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) 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 SPAM returned +42.43% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, SPAM is up 49.65% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM 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 -24.0% for SPAM 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
SPAM charges 0.35% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPAM currently yields 0.37% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPAM and SPY share 5 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPAM or SPY?
SPAM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPAM or SPY?
Over the past year SPAM returned +42.43% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPAM annualized +24.72% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPAM or SPY?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPAM -24.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPAM and SPY?
SPAM 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 SPAM and SPY?
SPAM and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPAM or SPY?
SPAM yields 0.37% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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