Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYTJUNWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.95%
AUM$789.1B$7M
Dividend Yield1.01%0.00%
Holdings5055
YTD Return+13.79%-0.12%
1Y Return+23.66%+8.59%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.40%-
5Y Return (annualized)+13.37%-
Volatility (annualized)15.3%8.1%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-9.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 22, 1993Jun 20, 2025

SPY vs TJUN Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and FT Vest Emerging Markets Buffer ETF - June (TJUN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% while TJUN returned +8.59%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.79% versus a loss of 0.12% for TJUN.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.1% for TJUN. 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 -9.8% for TJUN. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while TJUN charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $95 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for TJUN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and TJUN share 0 holdings out of 504 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 TJUN?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TJUN charges 0.95%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or TJUN?

Over the past year SPY returned +23.66% vs +8.59% for TJUN, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +11.16% for TJUN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or TJUN?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.1% for TJUN. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TJUN -9.8%.

Should I hold both SPY and TJUN?

SPY and TJUN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TJUN?

SPY and TJUN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TJUN?

SPY yields 1.01% while TJUN yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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