SPY vs TPIF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Timothy Plan International ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TPIF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.62% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $251M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.39% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 364 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +12.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +21.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +18.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +8.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -34.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Timothy Plan | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 2, 2019 |
SPY vs TPIF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Timothy Plan International ETF (TPIF) is a ETF from Timothy Plan. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while TPIF returned +21.86%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 12.39% for TPIF.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +18.73% for TPIF; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +8.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, TPIF has the edge at +9.29% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -34.1% for TPIF. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TPIF charges 0.62%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $62 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.39% for TPIF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TPIF share 1 holdings out of 852 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in TPIF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TPIF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TPIF charges 0.62%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TPIF?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +21.86% for TPIF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +9.29% for TPIF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TPIF?
TPIF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TPIF -34.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and TPIF?
SPY and TPIF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TPIF?
SPY and TPIF share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 852 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TPIF?
SPY yields 1.01% while TPIF yields 2.39%, so TPIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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