SPY vs TLTW
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond BuyWrite Strategy 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 | TLTW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $1.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 11.24% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | -6.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | -2.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | -0.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 12.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -18.6% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 18, 2022 |
SPY vs TLTW Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond BuyWrite Strategy ETF (TLTW) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while TLTW returned -2.92%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a loss of 6.45% for TLTW.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against -0.02% for TLTW. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs -2.48%. 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 12.1% for TLTW. 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 -18.6% for TLTW. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TLTW charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 11.24% for TLTW.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TLTW share 0 holdings out of 506 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 TLTW?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TLTW charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TLTW?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs -2.92% for TLTW, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs -2.48% for TLTW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TLTW?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 12.1% for TLTW. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TLTW -18.6%.
Should I hold both SPY and TLTW?
SPY and TLTW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TLTW?
SPY and TLTW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TLTW?
SPY yields 1.01% while TLTW yields 11.24%, so TLTW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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