SPY vs TAGS
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Teucrium Agricultural Fund 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 | TAGS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.00% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +13.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +8.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | -5.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | -1.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -76.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Teucrium | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 28, 2012 |
SPY vs TAGS Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Teucrium Agricultural Fund ETF (TAGS) is a ETF from Teucrium. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while TAGS returned +8.39%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 13.30% for TAGS.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against -5.64% for TAGS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and -1.06% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -4.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TAGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -76.4% for TAGS. 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TAGS charges 1.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $100 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for TAGS.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TAGS share 0 holdings out of 507 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 TAGS?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TAGS charges 1.00%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TAGS?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +8.39% for TAGS, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs -4.46% for TAGS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TAGS?
TAGS has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TAGS -76.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and TAGS?
SPY and TAGS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TAGS?
SPY and TAGS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TAGS?
SPY yields 1.01% while TAGS yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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