SPY vs TRFM
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs AAM Transformers ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TRFM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TRFM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $244M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.13% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 246 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +26.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +40.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +29.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 24.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 11, 2022 |
SPY vs TRFM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TRFM returned +40.70%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 26.32% for TRFM.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +29.59% for TRFM. Across the full 4-year window we track, TRFM has the edge at +26.38% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TRFM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -28.4% for TRFM. 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 TRFM charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $49 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.13% for TRFM.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TRFM share 76 holdings out of 672 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TRFM?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TRFM charges 0.49%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TRFM?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +40.70% for TRFM, so TRFM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +26.38% for TRFM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TRFM?
TRFM has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TRFM -28.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and TRFM?
SPY and TRFM 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 TRFM?
SPY and TRFM share 76 common holdings with a 20.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 672 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TRFM?
SPY yields 1.01% while TRFM yields 0.13%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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