SPFF vs SPY
Global X SuperIncome Preferred 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 | SPFF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $145M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.62% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +4.49% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.27% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.91% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.69% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPFF vs SPY Performance
Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) 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 SPFF returned +10.27% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SPFF is up 4.49% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SPFF compounded at +9.91% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +1.69% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs -0.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.3% for SPFF. 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 -50.1% for SPFF 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPFF charges 0.48% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $9 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPFF currently yields 6.62% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPFF or SPY?
SPFF has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPFF or SPY?
Over the past year SPFF returned +10.27% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPFF annualized -0.81% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPFF or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for SPFF. Worst drawdown: SPFF -50.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPFF and SPY?
SPFF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPFF and SPY?
SPFF and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPFF or SPY?
SPFF yields 6.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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