SPUC vs SPY
Simplify US Equity Income 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 | SPUC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $141M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.16% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.14% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.00% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.78% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 3, 2020 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPUC vs SPY Performance
Simplify US Equity Income ETF (SPUC) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPUC returned +21.14% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SPUC is up 12.71% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, SPUC compounded at +23.00% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.78% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPUC has the edge at +16.17% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -29.2% for SPUC 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPUC charges 0.53% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $9 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPUC currently yields 11.16% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPUC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, SPUC or SPY?
SPUC has an expense ratio of 0.53% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPUC or SPY?
Over the past year SPUC returned +21.14% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPUC annualized +16.17% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPUC or SPY?
SPUC has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPUC -29.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPUC and SPY?
SPUC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPUC and SPY?
SPUC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPUC or SPY?
SPUC yields 11.16% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPUC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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