SPY vs SSUS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Day Hagan Smart Sector ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SSUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SSUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.77% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $561M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.47% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +16.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +23.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +17.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +11.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Day Hagan Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 16, 2020 |
SPY vs SSUS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Day Hagan Smart Sector ETF (SSUS) is a ETF from Day Hagan Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while SSUS returned +23.19%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 16.77% for SSUS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +17.78% for SSUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +11.20% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SSUS has the edge at +14.03% annualized vs +8.87%. 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 14.9% for SSUS. 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 -23.8% for SSUS. 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 SSUS charges 0.77%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $77 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.47% for SSUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SSUS share 5 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or SSUS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SSUS charges 0.77%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SSUS?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +23.19% for SSUS, so SSUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +14.03% for SSUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SSUS?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.9% for SSUS. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SSUS -23.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and SSUS?
SPY and SSUS 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.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SSUS?
SPY and SSUS share 5 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SSUS?
SPY yields 1.01% while SSUS yields 0.47%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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