SPY vs TESL
SPY vs TESL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution 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 | TESL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $13M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 23.54% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 17 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | -23.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.66% | -34.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +19.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +5.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 54.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -69.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 28, 2020 |
SPY vs TESL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Simplify Volt TSLA Revolution ETF (TESL) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while TESL returned -34.86%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a loss of 23.13% for TESL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.40% per year against +19.66% for TESL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +5.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TESL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.8% 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 -69.1% for TESL. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TESL charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $97 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 23.54% for TESL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TESL share 1 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in TESL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSLA | 1.82% | 24.06% | 22.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TESL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TESL charges 0.97%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TESL?
Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs -34.86% for TESL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +3.76% for TESL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TESL?
TESL has been the more volatile fund at 54.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TESL -69.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and TESL?
SPY and TESL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TESL?
SPY and TESL share 1 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TESL?
SPY yields 1.01% while TESL yields 23.54%, so TESL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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