SPY vs THNQ
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. THNQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | THNQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.68% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $411M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.15% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 54 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +46.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +64.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +39.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +17.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 27.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -50.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Robo Global | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 8, 2020 |
SPY vs THNQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (THNQ) is a ETF from Robo Global. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while THNQ returned +64.13%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 46.58% for THNQ.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +39.02% for THNQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +17.17% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, THNQ has the edge at +23.47% annualized vs +8.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -50.6% for THNQ. 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 THNQ charges 0.68%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $68 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.15% for THNQ.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and THNQ share 23 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or THNQ?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while THNQ charges 0.68%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or THNQ?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +64.13% for THNQ, so THNQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +23.47% for THNQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or THNQ?
THNQ has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs THNQ -50.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and THNQ?
SPY and THNQ 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 THNQ?
SPY and THNQ share 23 common holdings with a 15.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or THNQ?
SPY yields 1.01% while THNQ yields 0.15%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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