SPY vs THQ
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. THQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | THQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.46% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $784M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 10.84% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 111 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +7.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +41.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +11.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +4.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -45.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 28, 2014 |
SPY vs THQ Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund (THQ) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while THQ returned +41.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 7.99% for THQ.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +11.61% for THQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +4.35% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -45.8% for THQ. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while THQ charges 1.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $146 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 10.84% for THQ.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and THQ share 28 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or THQ?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while THQ charges 1.46%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or THQ?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +41.28% for THQ, so THQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +3.82% for THQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or THQ?
THQ has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs THQ -45.8%.
Should I hold both SPY and THQ?
SPY and THQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and THQ?
SPY and THQ share 28 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or THQ?
SPY yields 1.01% while THQ yields 10.84%, so THQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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