SPY vs THLV
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs THOR Equal Weight Low Volatility 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 | THLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.64% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.64% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +9.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +14.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +11.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -13.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Thor Financial Technologies | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Sep 12, 2022 |
SPY vs THLV Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and THOR Equal Weight Low Volatility ETF (THLV) is a ETF from Thor Financial Technologies. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while THLV returned +14.34%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 9.22% for THLV.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +11.66% for THLV. Across the full 4-year window we track, THLV has the edge at +9.83% annualized vs +8.82%. 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 11.7% for THLV. 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 -13.2% for THLV. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while THLV charges 0.64%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $64 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.64% for THLV.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and THLV share 0 holdings out of 510 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 THLV?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while THLV charges 0.64%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or THLV?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +14.34% for THLV, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +9.83% for THLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or THLV?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.7% for THLV. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs THLV -13.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and THLV?
SPY and THLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and THLV?
SPY and THLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or THLV?
SPY yields 1.01% while THLV yields 1.64%, so THLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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