SPY vs SSXU
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Day Hagan Smart Sector International ETF
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 | SPY | SSXU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.22% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $45M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.56% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +5.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +14.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +14.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Day Hagan Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 1, 2022 |
SPY vs SSXU Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Day Hagan Smart Sector International ETF (SSXU) is a ETF from Day Hagan Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while SSXU returned +14.66%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 5.44% for SSXU.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +14.06% for SSXU. Across the full 4-year window we track, SSXU has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +8.81%. 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 13.6% for SSXU. 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 -13.9% for SSXU. 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
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SSXU charges 1.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $122 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.56% for SSXU.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SSXU share 0 holdings out of 523 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, SPY or SSXU?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SSXU charges 1.22%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SSXU?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +14.66% for SSXU, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +11.91% for SSXU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SSXU?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SSXU. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SSXU -13.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and SSXU?
SPY and SSXU 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 SPY and SSXU?
SPY and SSXU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SSXU?
SPY yields 1.01% while SSXU yields 2.56%, so SSXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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