SPY vs SWAN
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | SWAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $162M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.25% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +4.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +11.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +13.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +1.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -31.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 5, 2018 |
SPY vs SWAN Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while SWAN returned +11.03%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 4.50% for SWAN.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +13.41% for SWAN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +1.92% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +5.96%. 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 11.8% for SWAN. 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 -31.0% for SWAN. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while SWAN 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 3.25% for SWAN.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and SWAN share 0 holdings out of 513 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 SWAN?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SWAN 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 SWAN?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +11.03% for SWAN, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +5.96% for SWAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or SWAN?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.8% for SWAN. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs SWAN -31.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and SWAN?
SPY and SWAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and SWAN?
SPY and SWAN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or SWAN?
SPY yields 1.01% while SWAN yields 3.25%, so SWAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.