SPY vs STRN
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs SMART Trend 25 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | STRN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $28M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | +22.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +37.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 28.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -15.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | SMART Wealth, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 20, 2025 |
SPY vs STRN Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while STRN returned +37.23%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a gain of 22.81% for STRN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.2% 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 -15.4% for STRN. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STRN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $59 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.16% for STRN.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STRN share 22 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or STRN?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STRN charges 0.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STRN?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +37.23% for STRN, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STRN?
STRN has been the more volatile fund at 28.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STRN -15.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and STRN?
SPY and STRN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STRN?
SPY and STRN share 22 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STRN?
SPY yields 1.01% while STRN yields 0.16%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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