SPY vs STXT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Strive Total Return Bond 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 | STXT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $119M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.07% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 219 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | -0.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | +0.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +3.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 5.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -5.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Strive Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 10, 2023 |
SPY vs STXT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Strive Total Return Bond ETF (STXT) is a ETF from Strive Asset Management. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while STXT returned +0.99%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a loss of 0.29% for STXT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +3.77% for STXT. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.77%. 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 5.5% for STXT. 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 -5.8% for STXT. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while STXT charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $49 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.07% for STXT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and STXT share 0 holdings out of 650 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 STXT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while STXT charges 0.49%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or STXT?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +0.99% for STXT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +3.77% for STXT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or STXT?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.5% for STXT. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs STXT -5.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and STXT?
SPY and STXT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and STXT?
SPY and STXT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or STXT?
SPY yields 1.01% while STXT yields 5.07%, so STXT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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