SPY vs TBFC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative 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 | TBFC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.44% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $357M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.99% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +5.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +11.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 6.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Brinsmere Fund | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 12, 2024 |
SPY vs TBFC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF (TBFC) is a ETF from Brinsmere Fund. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while TBFC returned +11.45%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 5.19% for TBFC.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.6% for TBFC. 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 -10.0% for TBFC. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TBFC charges 0.44%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $44 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.99% for TBFC.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TBFC share 0 holdings out of 530 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 TBFC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TBFC charges 0.44%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TBFC?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +11.45% for TBFC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +9.29% for TBFC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TBFC?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for TBFC. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TBFC -10.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and TBFC?
SPY and TBFC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TBFC?
SPY and TBFC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TBFC?
SPY yields 1.01% while TBFC yields 2.99%, so TBFC 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.