SPY vs SSPX
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Janus Henderson US Sustainable Equity ETF
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 | SPY | SSPX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.30% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +13.68% | +18.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +13.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +21.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Janus Henderson Investors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 8, 2021 |
SPY vs SSPX Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Janus Henderson US Sustainable Equity ETF (SSPX) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while SSPX returned +13.72%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a gain of 18.25% for SSPX.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against +21.18% for SSPX. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -34.0% for SSPX. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SSPX charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $55 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.30% for SSPX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SSPX?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SSPX charges 0.55%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SSPX?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +13.72% for SSPX, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +6.29% for SSPX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SSPX?
SSPX has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SSPX -34.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and SSPX?
SPY and SSPX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SSPX?
SPY yields 1.01% while SSPX yields 0.30%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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