SPY vs WBIG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs WBI BullBear Yield 3000 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 | WBIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.59% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +14.47% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +21.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +7.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +1.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 11.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -25.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | WBI Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 25, 2014 |
SPY vs WBIG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and WBI BullBear Yield 3000 ETF (WBIG) is a ETF from WBI Investments. Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% while WBIG returned +21.72%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.47% versus a gain of 15.42% for WBIG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +7.35% for WBIG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +1.68% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +1.49%. 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 11.3% for WBIG. 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 -25.3% for WBIG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WBIG charges 1.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $159 annually, a gap of $150 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.21% for WBIG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WBIG share 54 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WBIG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WBIG charges 1.59%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $150 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WBIG?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.96% vs +21.72% for WBIG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPY annualized +8.87% vs +1.49% for WBIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WBIG?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.3% for WBIG. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WBIG -25.3%.
Should I hold both SPY and WBIG?
SPY and WBIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WBIG?
SPY and WBIG share 54 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WBIG?
SPY yields 1.01% while WBIG yields 1.21%, so WBIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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