SPY vs TRTY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYTRTYWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.46%
AUM$789.1B$143M
Dividend Yield1.01%2.95%
Holdings50534
YTD Return+13.39%+9.60%
1Y Return+22.52%+18.28%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.36%+10.77%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.19%+6.04%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%9.5%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-22.3%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementCambria Investment Management
CategoryEquityAllocation/Balanced
InceptionJan 22, 1993Sep 10, 2018

SPY vs TRTY Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Cambria Trinity ETF (TRTY) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TRTY returned +18.28%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 9.60% for TRTY.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.36% per year against +10.77% for TRTY; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +6.04% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.06%. 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 9.5% for TRTY. 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 -22.3% for TRTY. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while TRTY charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $46 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.95% for TRTY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPY and TRTY share 0 holdings out of 533 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 TRTY?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TRTY charges 0.46%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or TRTY?

Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +18.28% for TRTY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +6.06% for TRTY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or TRTY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.5% for TRTY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TRTY -22.3%.

Should I hold both SPY and TRTY?

SPY and TRTY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TRTY?

SPY and TRTY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TRTY?

SPY yields 1.01% while TRTY yields 2.95%, so TRTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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