SPY vs TUGN
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TUGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TUGN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $85M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 11.55% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +15.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +23.33% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +20.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -23.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Gateway Credit Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | May 18, 2022 |
SPY vs TUGN Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (TUGN) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while TUGN returned +23.33%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 15.74% for TUGN.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +20.58% for TUGN. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUGN has the edge at +14.64% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.4% for TUGN. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TUGN 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 11.55% for TUGN.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TUGN share 86 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TUGN?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TUGN 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 TUGN?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +23.33% for TUGN, so TUGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +14.64% for TUGN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TUGN?
TUGN has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TUGN -23.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and TUGN?
SPY and TUGN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TUGN?
SPY and TUGN share 86 common holdings with a 53.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TUGN?
SPY yields 1.01% while TUGN yields 11.55%, so TUGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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