SPY vs UPAR
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs UPAR Ultra Risk Parity 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 | UPAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.68% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $59M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.46% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 140 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +6.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +16.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +10.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -39.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Rpar ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 3, 2022 |
SPY vs UPAR Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and UPAR Ultra Risk Parity ETF (UPAR) is a ETF from Rpar ETF. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while UPAR returned +16.86%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 6.03% for UPAR.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +10.93% for UPAR. Across the full 5-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs -1.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -39.0% for UPAR. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UPAR charges 0.68%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $68 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.46% for UPAR.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UPAR share 19 holdings out of 613 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or UPAR?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UPAR charges 0.68%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UPAR?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +16.86% for UPAR, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs -1.03% for UPAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UPAR?
UPAR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UPAR -39.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and UPAR?
SPY and UPAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UPAR?
SPY and UPAR share 19 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UPAR?
SPY yields 1.01% while UPAR yields 3.46%, so UPAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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