SPY vs TYLD
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Cambria Tactical Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $34M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.74% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +13.39% | +0.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.52% | +2.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 0.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Cambria Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 4, 2024 |
SPY vs TYLD Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Cambria Tactical Yield ETF (TYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% while TYLD returned +2.57%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.39% versus a gain of 0.89% for TYLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 0.8% for TYLD. 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 -8.2% for TYLD. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TYLD charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $59 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.74% for TYLD.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TYLD share 0 holdings out of 504 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 TYLD?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TYLD charges 0.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TYLD?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.52% vs +2.57% for TYLD, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.84% vs +0.49% for TYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TYLD?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 0.8% for TYLD. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TYLD -8.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and TYLD?
SPY and TYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TYLD?
SPY and TYLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TYLD?
SPY yields 1.01% while TYLD yields 3.74%, so TYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.