SPY vs SVOL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Simplify Volatility Premium 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 | SVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.66% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $523M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 22.03% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 32 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +4.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +14.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +6.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +6.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -33.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 12, 2021 |
SPY vs SVOL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Simplify Volatility Premium ETF (SVOL) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while SVOL returned +14.11%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 4.91% for SVOL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +6.86% for SVOL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +6.96% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +8.44%. 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 13.4% for SVOL. 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 -33.5% for SVOL. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SVOL charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $66 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 22.03% for SVOL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SVOL share 0 holdings out of 512 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 SVOL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SVOL charges 0.66%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or SVOL?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +14.11% for SVOL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +8.44% for SVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SVOL?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.4% for SVOL. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SVOL -33.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and SVOL?
SPY and SVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SVOL?
SPY and SVOL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SVOL?
SPY yields 1.01% while SVOL yields 22.03%, so SVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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