SPY vs STK
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. STK delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | STK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.13% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $831M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.29% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 75 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +43.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +80.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +32.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +20.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 22.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -42.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 25, 2009 |
SPY vs STK Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while STK returned +80.07%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 43.39% for STK.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +32.49% for STK; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +20.04% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, STK has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -42.8% for STK. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STK charges 1.13%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $113 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.29% for STK.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STK share 36 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or STK?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STK charges 1.13%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STK?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +80.07% for STK, so STK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +9.27% for STK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STK?
STK has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STK -42.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and STK?
SPY and STK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STK?
SPY and STK share 36 common holdings with a 26.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STK?
SPY yields 1.01% while STK yields 3.29%, so STK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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