SPY vs STCE
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Schwab Crypto Thematic Natural Language Processing 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 | STCE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $214M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.74% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +13.17% | -4.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +15.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +43.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.35% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 57.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -54.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 4, 2022 |
SPY vs STCE Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab Crypto Thematic Natural Language Processing ETF (STCE) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while STCE returned +15.73%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.17% versus a loss of 4.94% for STCE.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.06% per year against +43.50% for STCE. Across the full 4-year window we track, STCE has the edge at +25.75% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.7% 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 -54.1% for STCE. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STCE charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $30 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.74% for STCE.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STCE share 5 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or STCE?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STCE charges 0.30%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STCE?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs +15.73% for STCE, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +25.75% for STCE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STCE?
STCE has been the more volatile fund at 57.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STCE -54.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and STCE?
SPY and STCE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STCE?
SPY and STCE share 5 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STCE?
SPY yields 1.01% while STCE yields 1.74%, so STCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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