SPY vs USAF
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Atlas America Fund 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 | USAF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $18M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.45% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 71 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +5.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +9.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 4.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -4.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Atlas Capital Team | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 19, 2024 |
SPY vs USAF Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Atlas America Fund ETF (USAF) is a ETF from Atlas Capital Team. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while USAF returned +9.59%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 5.04% for USAF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 4.5% for USAF. 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 -4.5% for USAF. 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while USAF charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $89 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 2.45% for USAF.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and USAF share 14 holdings out of 551 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or USAF?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while USAF charges 0.89%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or USAF?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +9.59% for USAF, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +8.46% for USAF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or USAF?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 4.5% for USAF. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs USAF -4.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and USAF?
SPY and USAF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and USAF?
SPY and USAF share 14 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or USAF?
SPY yields 1.01% while USAF yields 2.45%, so USAF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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