SPY vs TPLC
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core 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 | TPLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.52% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $318M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.83% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 271 | |
| YTD Return | +13.47% | +12.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.57% | +12.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +13.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +7.92% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -38.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Timothy Plan | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 5, 2019 |
SPY vs TPLC Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF (TPLC) is a ETF from Timothy Plan. Over the past year SPY returned +20.57% while TPLC returned +12.23%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.47% versus a gain of 12.40% for TPLC.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.83% per year against +13.83% for TPLC; over five years the annualized figures are +12.88% and +7.92% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, TPLC has the edge at +11.10% annualized vs +8.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -38.1% for TPLC. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TPLC charges 0.52%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $52 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.83% for TPLC.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TPLC share 199 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TPLC?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TPLC charges 0.52%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TPLC?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.57% vs +12.23% for TPLC, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SPY annualized +8.83% vs +11.10% for TPLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TPLC?
TPLC has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TPLC -38.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and TPLC?
SPY and TPLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TPLC?
SPY and TPLC share 199 common holdings with a 17.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TPLC?
SPY yields 1.01% while TPLC yields 0.83%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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