SPLB vs SPY
SPLB vs SPY
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPLB has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLB offers more diversification with 713 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPLB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2,947 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.95% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.01% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.61% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.18% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPLB vs SPY Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPLB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, SPLB is down 1.95% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, SPLB compounded at +3.61% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -3.18% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +1.68%. 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 10.8% for SPLB. 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 -35.2% for SPLB 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPLB charges 0.04% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPLB currently yields 5.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPLB or SPY?
SPLB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPLB is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPLB or SPY?
Over the past year SPLB returned +0.01% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPLB annualized +1.68% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPLB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.8% for SPLB. Worst drawdown: SPLB -35.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPLB and SPY?
SPLB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPLB and SPY?
SPLB and SPY share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPLB or SPY?
SPLB yields 5.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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