SPY vs TSEL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Touchstone Sands Capital US Select Growth 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 | TSEL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +13.17% | +2.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | -0.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.35% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 23.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -28.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Touchstone Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 2, 2025 |
SPY vs TSEL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Touchstone Sands Capital US Select Growth ETF (TSEL) is a ETF from Touchstone Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while TSEL returned -0.01%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.17% versus a gain of 2.10% for TSEL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TSEL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -28.9% for TSEL. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TSEL charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $67 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for TSEL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TSEL share 19 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TSEL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TSEL charges 0.67%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TSEL?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs -0.01% for TSEL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs +7.35% for TSEL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TSEL?
TSEL has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TSEL -28.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and TSEL?
SPY and TSEL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TSEL?
SPY and TSEL share 19 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TSEL?
SPY yields 1.01% while TSEL yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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