SPY vs TUG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs STF Tactical Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $814.4B | $34M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.01% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.10% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.30% | +26.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.82% | +20.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.53% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -22.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Shelton Capital Management | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 18, 2022 |
SPY vs TUG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) is a ETF from Shelton Capital Management. Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% while TUG returned +26.25%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.10% versus a gain of 16.10% for TUG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +20.82% per year against +20.58% for TUG. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUG has the edge at +17.67% annualized vs +8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -22.3% for TUG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TUG charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $65 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.01% for TUG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TUG share 88 holdings out of 517 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TUG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TUG charges 0.65%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TUG?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.30% vs +26.25% for TUG, so TUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.78% vs +17.67% for TUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TUG?
TUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TUG -22.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and TUG?
SPY and TUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TUG?
SPY and TUG share 88 common holdings with a 53.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TUG?
SPY yields 1.01% while TUG yields 2.01%, so TUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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