SPY vs STNC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Hennessy Sustainable 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 | STNC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $93M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.88% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +10.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +16.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +12.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +6.86% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Hennessy Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 15, 2021 |
SPY vs STNC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Hennessy Sustainable ETF (STNC) is a ETF from Hennessy Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while STNC returned +16.68%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 10.44% for STNC.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +12.08% for STNC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +6.86% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +8.18%. 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 15.1% for STNC. 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 -22.3% for STNC. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STNC charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $85 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.88% for STNC.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STNC share 4 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or STNC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STNC charges 0.85%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STNC?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +16.68% for STNC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.18% for STNC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STNC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for STNC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STNC -22.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and STNC?
SPY and STNC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STNC?
SPY and STNC share 4 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STNC?
SPY yields 1.01% while STNC yields 0.88%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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