SPY vs UTHY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPYUTHYWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.15%
AUM$789.1B$178M
Dividend Yield1.01%5.02%
Holdings5052
YTD Return+13.68%-3.03%
1Y Return+21.53%-1.11%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.44%-0.65%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.18%-
Volatility (annualized)15.3%13.1%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-21.9%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementUS Benchmark Series
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionJan 22, 1993Mar 27, 2023

SPY vs UTHY Performance

State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and F/m US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF (UTHY) is a ETF from US Benchmark Series. Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% while UTHY returned -1.11%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.68% versus a loss of 3.03% for UTHY.

Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.44% per year against -0.65% for UTHY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.1% for UTHY. 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 -21.9% for UTHY. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPY charges 0.09% per year while UTHY charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $15 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 5.02% for UTHY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPY or UTHY?

SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UTHY charges 0.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPY or UTHY?

Over the past year SPY returned +21.53% vs -1.11% for UTHY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs -2.91% for UTHY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPY or UTHY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for UTHY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UTHY -21.9%.

Should I hold both SPY and UTHY?

SPY and UTHY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UTHY?

SPY yields 1.01% while UTHY yields 5.02%, so UTHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.