SPY vs UMI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs USCF Midstream Energy Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. UMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | UMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.69% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $509M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 5.83% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +26.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +30.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +26.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +24.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -20.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Mar 24, 2021 |
SPY vs UMI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and USCF Midstream Energy Income ETF (UMI) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while UMI returned +30.78%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 26.68% for UMI.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +26.79% for UMI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +24.09% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, UMI has the edge at +24.28% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -20.1% for UMI. 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UMI charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $69 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.83% for UMI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UMI share 4 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UMI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UMI charges 0.69%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UMI?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +30.78% for UMI, so UMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +24.28% for UMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UMI?
UMI has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UMI -20.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and UMI?
SPY and UMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UMI?
SPY and UMI share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UMI?
SPY yields 1.01% while UMI yields 5.83%, so UMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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