SPY vs THW
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Abrdn World Healthcare Fund
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. THW delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | THW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 3.00% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $483M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 10.27% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 123 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +19.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +37.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +13.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +7.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -55.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Aberdeen | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 26, 2015 |
SPY vs THW Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while THW returned +37.62%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 19.12% for THW.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +13.92% for THW; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and +7.04% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -55.6% for THW. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while THW charges 3.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $300 annually, a gap of $291 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 10.27% for THW.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and THW share 27 holdings out of 572 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or THW?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while THW charges 3.00%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $291 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or THW?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +37.62% for THW, so THW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +2.06% for THW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or THW?
THW has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs THW -55.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and THW?
SPY and THW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and THW?
SPY and THW share 27 common holdings with a 6.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or THW?
SPY yields 1.01% while THW yields 10.27%, so THW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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