SPY vs TPYP
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Tortoise North American Pipeline ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TPYP delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TPYP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $871M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.20% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +0.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.62% | +27.54% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +15.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +21.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -52.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | TortoiseEcofin Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jun 29, 2015 |
SPY vs TPYP Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Tortoise North American Pipeline ETF (TPYP) is a ETF from TortoiseEcofin Funds. Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% while TPYP returned +27.54%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.93% versus a gain of 0.92% for TPYP.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.00% per year against +15.81% for TPYP; over five years the annualized figures are +13.33% and +21.69% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +8.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPYP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -52.0% for TPYP. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TPYP charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $40 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.20% for TPYP.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TPYP share 6 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TPYP?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TPYP charges 0.40%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TPYP?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.62% vs +27.54% for TPYP, so TPYP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +8.22% for TPYP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TPYP?
TPYP has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TPYP -52.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and TPYP?
SPY and TPYP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TPYP?
SPY and TPYP share 6 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TPYP?
SPY yields 1.01% while TPYP yields 3.20%, so TPYP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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